Delta TechOps has signed a CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) to support LEAP-1B engines. Under the terms of the CBSA, Delta becomes part of CFM’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network for LEAP-1B engines.

This agreement provides commercial and technical support to Delta TechOps to enable the MRO provider to offer a wide array of maintenance solutions to maintain the LEAP installed base to the highest standards. Delta is the first MRO provider in North America to sign a LEAP-1B CBSA.

"The level of support that we can provide as part of the LEAP MRO Network will help both Delta and our MRO customers achieve the efficiency benefits over the life of the product."
—Mahendra Nair, S.V.P. - Fleet & TechOps Supply Chain, Delta Air Lines

The LEAP fleet in service is rapidly reaching mature engine performance standards with 20 million flight hours and 8.9 million cycles. Through May 2022, more than 5,400 installed and spare engines have been delivered and CFM has a backlog of approximately 10,000 LEAP engines.

“We are proud to work with Delta as both an airline customer and as a highly-qualified provider for the expanding LEAP MRO network,” said Tom Levin, vice president, Aftermarket Strategic Solutions, for CFM International parent company GE Aviation. “LEAP shop visit demand will grow rapidly in the next five to ten years due to the volume of engines in service. This agreement is another critical step to expanding our open MRO network support.”

Since the LEAP engine program was launched in 2008, CFM has committed to both developing internal capability through CFM Services, as well as working with its partners to expand third-party MRO capability to support CFM’s fastest-growing fleet.

With its traditional open network, CFM customers already have the benefits of choice and competition on the CFM56 engine. CFM is committed to airlines, MROs, and asset owner stakeholders to continue this aftermarket approach for the LEAP engine. This philosophy can reduce cost of engine ownership, enabling global competition for engine overhaul and repair services, used parts, and part repairs.

“The CFM open network provides value and choice throughout the engine lifecycle – during entry into service and fleet growth, mid-life peak MRO services, and at the mature end of life phases,” Levin said.