Lion Air Selects StandardAero to Provide MRO Services for CFM56-7B Engines, Strengthening Longstanding Partnership
StandardAero, a globally recognized leader in aerospace engine aftermarket services, has announced a significant new collaboration with Lion Air, Indonesia’s largest privately owned airline. Under the agreement, StandardAero will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for Lion Air’s fleet of CFM56-7B turbofan engines, which power over 100 of the airline’s Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 narrowbody aircraft.
This strategic agreement marks a major milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two companies, building upon years of cooperation in engine servicing and technical support. It also reflects the growing importance of reliable, high-quality MRO solutions as airlines across Southeast Asia continue to expand operations and enhance fleet readiness in response to increasing air travel demand.
Supporting Lion Air’s Operational Excellence
Under the newly signed agreement, StandardAero is performing CFM56-7B performance restoration shop visits (PRSVs) from its CFM-authorized overhaul facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The first engine under the agreement was inducted in December of last year, signaling a swift execution of the partnership. The Winnipeg facility has been a cornerstone of StandardAero’s CFM56-7B service offerings since 2010, and the company celebrated its 1,000th engine shop visit in 2023—an achievement that underscores its deep expertise and commitment to excellence.
“Lion Air is pleased to extend its long-running relationship with StandardAero through this new agreement,” said Angga Darvinda, Head of Commercial & Powerplant Management at Lion Air. “StandardAero has been a reliable MRO partner for our PW127M engine fleet for many years. We are confident that they will provide the same high level of service and dependability for our CFM56-7B engines. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our strategic partnership and is expected to generate long-term value for both parties.”
Expanding Capabilities to Meet Global Demand
In addition to its well-established capabilities in Winnipeg, StandardAero has further expanded its CFM56-7B service footprint to its facility at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas, USA. This second engine overhaul line enhances the company’s capacity to serve Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) operators and asset owners around the world. With dual locations offering full overhaul capabilities and test cell redundancy, StandardAero provides increased flexibility, reduced turnaround times, and an added layer of operational assurance to airline customers.
“The team of dedicated engine support professionals here at StandardAero is delighted to expand our relationship with Lion Air through this new CFM56-7B agreement,” said Will Pitcher, Senior Vice President – Sales, Marketing & Customers for StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleets business unit. “Lion Air is one of the fastest-growing airlines in one of the most dynamic aviation markets globally. We are proud to TEAM™ with Lion Air to deliver exceptional engine services that enhance reliability, safety, and cost-efficiency across their fleet.”
Comprehensive MRO Ecosystem
StandardAero’s service offering for the CFM56 family extends far beyond core engine maintenance. The company also provides specialized support through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division, which offers repair and overhaul of key engine components. Additionally, its PTS Aviation subsidiary delivers engine and module asset management services, including access to used serviceable material (USM), while its engine health monitoring (EHM) services deliver data-driven insights that help operators optimize performance and predict maintenance needs.
These comprehensive capabilities enable StandardAero to deliver integrated, end-to-end MRO solutions that align with the evolving needs of global airline operators. Whether through reducing lifecycle costs, improving asset utilization, or enhancing operational reliability, StandardAero positions itself as a critical partner in the success of its customers.
Positioning for the Future with LEAP Engine Support
While strengthening its position in the legacy engine market, StandardAero is also heavily investing in next-generation engine technologies. The company provides full MRO support for CFM International’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines—the successors to the CFM56—out of its 810,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas.
In March 2023, StandardAero became the first non-airline provider in the Americas to sign a CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) for both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. As a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider, StandardAero continues to expand its technical capabilities, workforce, and infrastructure to meet the growing demand for LEAP engine services, supporting the next wave of narrowbody aircraft around the world.
About Lion Air and Its Group Operations
Lion Air, part of the Lion Air Group, is a major player in Southeast Asia’s aviation sector. Known for its affordable pricing model and extensive route network, Lion Air has established itself as one of the region’s largest and most influential airlines. The Lion Air Group comprises five distinct airlines:
- Lion Air (Indonesia): The group’s flagship low-cost carrier, serving a vast domestic and regional route network with a fleet of primarily Boeing 737 aircraft.
- Wings Air: A feeder airline operating ATR turboprop aircraft to serve remote and regional destinations across Indonesia.
- Malindo Air: Launched in 2013 as a full-service carrier based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (now rebranded as Batik Air Malaysia).
- Batik Air (Indonesia): A full-service airline offering both domestic and international routes, designed to cater to a more premium segment of travelers.
- Thai Lion Air: A low-cost airline based in Thailand, providing regional connectivity with a fleet of narrowbody aircraft.
Collectively, the Lion Air Group serves millions of passengers annually and plays a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity across Southeast Asia. The partnership with StandardAero reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.
About CFM International
CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace (U.S.) and Safran Aircraft Engines (France). Since its founding in 1974, CFM has become the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, powering more than 600 operators globally. Its CFM56 and LEAP engine families are widely regarded for their performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency, setting industry benchmarks for narrowbody aircraft propulsion.
CFM’s ongoing investments in innovation, sustainability, and aftermarket support continue to drive the evolution of commercial aviation. The company’s global support network ensures that operators receive timely and high-quality maintenance services wherever they operate.
About StandardAero
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of aerospace engine aftermarket services. The company supports fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft across commercial, military, and business aviation sectors. StandardAero delivers a full spectrum of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as component repair, on-wing support, asset management, and engineering services.
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SARO, StandardAero’s growing network of facilities and strategic partnerships ensures it remains at the forefront of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the global MRO industry.