StandardAero Expands Global Engine MRO Footprint Through General Terms Agreement with AviLease
StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, has entered into a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with global aircraft lessor AviLease. The agreement establishes a strategic framework under which StandardAero will deliver maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM International LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and CFM56-7B engine platforms in support of AviLease’s expanding global leasing portfolio.
The newly signed GTA marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration designed to provide AviLease and its airline customers with access to high-quality, responsive, and globally coordinated engine support solutions. As the commercial aviation industry continues to prioritize fleet reliability, fuel efficiency, and asset optimization, such partnerships are becoming increasingly critical to ensuring operational continuity and protecting asset value.
Strengthening Support for Next-Generation and Legacy Engine Platforms
Under the terms of the agreement, StandardAero will provide comprehensive MRO services for two of the most widely used narrowbody engine families in commercial aviation: the LEAP-1A/1B and the CFM56-7B. These engines power leading single-aisle aircraft that form the backbone of global airline fleets.
The LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines represent the latest generation of fuel-efficient propulsion systems developed by CFM International. The LEAP-1A powers Airbus A320neo family aircraft, while the LEAP-1B exclusively powers Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Both variants are engineered to deliver improved fuel burn, reduced emissions, and lower noise levels compared to previous-generation engines.
The CFM56-7B engine, meanwhile, powers the Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) family and remains one of the most reliable and extensively operated commercial jet engines in service today. With thousands of engines still active worldwide, the CFM56-7B continues to represent a significant portion of the in-service fleet, requiring sustained and high-quality aftermarket support.
Through this agreement, AviLease will benefit from access to StandardAero’s broad technical capabilities across both next-generation and mature engine platforms—ensuring continuity of support throughout the lifecycle of its leased assets.
Supporting AviLease’s Global Growth Strategy
Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, AviLease is backed by the long-term capital of its shareholder, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company has articulated a clear ambition: to become a top 10 global aircraft lessor. As part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 and National Aviation Strategy, AviLease serves as a national champion in aircraft leasing, contributing to the Kingdom’s diversification efforts and aviation sector expansion.
AviLease owns and manages a portfolio of approximately 200 predominantly new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft placed on long-term leases with 53 airline customers worldwide. With a team of 95 aviation professionals operating across five international offices, the lessor has built a globally diversified and high-quality asset base.
For a lessor managing a portfolio of advanced narrowbody aircraft, engine reliability and residual value protection are paramount. Access to a globally recognized MRO provider such as StandardAero strengthens AviLease’s ability to maintain high dispatch reliability for its airline customers while safeguarding asset performance and market competitiveness.
Leadership Perspective on the Agreement
Commenting on the new relationship, Olivier Ruffet, Vice President Sales – EMEA at StandardAero, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. He emphasized that the agreement enables StandardAero’s specialized LEAP and CFM56 engine MRO teams to provide responsive and expert support tailored to AviLease’s operational requirements.
The agreement not only expands StandardAero’s customer portfolio but also aligns with its broader strategy of strengthening relationships with leading asset owners and lessors. As leasing companies play an increasingly central role in global fleet ownership, MRO providers must align closely with their technical and commercial objectives.
Advanced LEAP Engine Support in San Antonio
StandardAero provides LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engine support from its expansive 810,000-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas. The site serves as a major hub for next-generation engine MRO and reflects substantial investment in infrastructure, tooling, and workforce development.
In March 2023, StandardAero signed the first non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) in the Americas covering both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B platforms. This milestone positioned the company as a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider and underscored its technical credibility in supporting the rapidly expanding LEAP fleet.
The San Antonio facility is equipped to perform full performance restorations, module workscopes, and comprehensive testing for LEAP engines. As global LEAP engine inductions continue to rise with fleet maturation, StandardAero’s capacity expansion positions it to meet growing demand from both airlines and asset owners.
Industrializing Component Repair for the LEAP Family
Beyond engine overhauls, StandardAero has invested heavily in developing in-house component repair capabilities for the LEAP engine family. Through its Component Repair Services (CRS) network and Repair Development Center of Excellence, the company has industrialized more than 475 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B platforms.
This extensive repair portfolio enhances turnaround time, reduces reliance on external suppliers, and helps control overall maintenance costs—an important factor for leasing companies managing lifecycle economics.
The company’s CRS infrastructure spans multiple locations, enabling scalable repair solutions across its global customer base. By combining engine-level MRO with deep component repair expertise, StandardAero offers an integrated support model that strengthens operational predictability and cost management.
Workforce Development and Technical Excellence
To sustain its expanding LEAP capabilities, StandardAero continues to invest in workforce development. Its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program, based at the San Antonio Training Academy, is designed to cultivate highly skilled technicians capable of supporting advanced propulsion systems.
As next-generation engines incorporate more advanced materials and digital monitoring technologies, specialized training is essential. By building internal talent pipelines, StandardAero ensures it can meet increasing technical demands while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Comprehensive CFM56-7B Support Across Multiple Facilities
StandardAero has supported the global CFM56-7B operator community since 2010 from its Winnipeg facility in Canada. As an authorized CFM56-7B MRO provider, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of services, including full overhauls, module repairs, and testing.
In response to continued market demand from Boeing 737NG operators and asset owners, StandardAero has expanded CFM56-7B MRO support to its Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport location in Texas. The addition of this second engine line provides increased capacity, geographic flexibility, and valuable test cell redundancy.
For lessors like AviLease, the availability of dual engine lines enhances scheduling flexibility and mitigates potential downtime risks. Test cell redundancy also ensures operational resilience—an important consideration in today’s high-utilization narrowbody environment.
Broader CFM56 Aftermarket Capabilities
In addition to engine overhauls, StandardAero offers an extensive portfolio of services for the CFM56 family. These include:
- Component repair and overhaul solutions
- Engine and module asset management
- Used serviceable material (USM) programs
- Engine health monitoring (EHM) data analysis
These complementary services allow customers to tailor maintenance strategies to operational needs, balancing cost control with performance optimization.
The Role of CFM International in Commercial Aviation
CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, was founded in 1974 and has since become the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines for narrowbody aircraft.
The CFM56 family redefined industry standards for reliability and cost efficiency, while the LEAP engine family introduced advanced materials such as ceramic matrix composites and 3D woven carbon fiber fan blades to further improve fuel burn and durability.
Today, CFM supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets operated by more than 600 operators worldwide. As fleet sizes grow and maintenance cycles mature, authorized MRO providers such as StandardAero play a crucial role in sustaining global engine availability.
Positioning for Long-Term Aftermarket Growth
The GTA between StandardAero and AviLease reflects broader trends shaping the commercial aviation aftermarket. With narrowbody aircraft demand remaining strong and leasing companies accounting for a significant share of global fleet ownership, engine MRO partnerships are increasingly strategic rather than transactional.
For StandardAero, the agreement strengthens its presence in the lessor segment and reinforces its reputation as a trusted independent engine MRO provider. For AviLease, the partnership enhances technical support across two critical engine families central to its portfolio strategy.
As global air travel demand continues its upward trajectory and airlines prioritize fuel-efficient aircraft, the LEAP and CFM56 platforms will remain central to fleet operations for years to come. Through this collaboration, both companies are positioning themselves to capitalize on sustained growth in the narrowbody engine aftermarket while delivering value, reliability, and long-term asset performance across the aviation ecosystem.
Source link: https://www.businesswire.com/