MRO

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFM International for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the largest single LEAP engine order in CFM International's history. The agreement, announced on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough air show, also includes CFM's support for establishing IndiGo's upcoming engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. The partnership will further provide long-term material services, including spare-parts supply, as IndiGo expands its fleet and operations. According to CFM, the arrangements are intended to support high dispatch reliability, predictable costs and continued operational support as the airline scales up. The deal comes as IndiGo accelerates its long-term fleet expansion. The airline currently has more than 430 aircraft and operates approximately 2,200 daily flights to more than 95 domestic and 45 international destinations. It welcomed more than 123 million customers in FY2026. Its existing A320/321 Family fleet has already crossed 375 aircraft, while the airline's broader aircraft order book is close to 1,000 aircraft. IndiGo has also stated its ambition to double its fleet by 2030. Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer Designate of IndiGo, said the agreement extends the airline's long-standing partnership with CFM as it moves into its next phase of growth and seeks to become a truly global carrier. He said CFM has supported IndiGo's expansion since 2016 and described the LEAP engine's proven reliability as a key factor in supporting the airline's scale, operational resilience and sustainability objectives. IndiGo's relationship with CFM dates back a decade. In 2016, the airline operated Airbus A320ceo Family aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. In 2019, it expanded the partnership by selecting LEAP-1A engines for its Airbus A320/321neo Family fleet. The latest agreement also strengthens CFM's position in India's rapidly expanding aviation market. India is CFM's third-largest market, with five Indian airlines operating more than 400 LEAP-powered aircraft and another 2,000 engines on order. H. Lawrence Culp Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace, said LEAP engines are now delivering up to twice the time on wing in hot and harsh operating environments compared with when the engine first entered service, while maintaining fuel efficiency and reliability. He added that GE Aerospace has more than 40 years of experience supporting India's aviation sector, with manufacturing operations in Pune, a local supplier network and advanced engineering capabilities in Bengaluru. For Safran, the agreement further underlines India's importance as one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andriès said the company's investments in India, particularly in LEAP engine production and MRO capabilities, are aimed at supporting IndiGo's growth while contributing to the development of the country's aerospace industry. The planned IndiGo MRO capability comes amid a broader expansion of LEAP maintenance infrastructure. Safran last year inaugurated its largest LEAP engine MRO centre, a 45,000-square-metre facility that is expected to eventually handle up to 300 LEAP shop visits annually and feature a next-generation test bench. CFM said more than 10,000 LEAP engines have been delivered to date, making the programme the fastest ramp-up in commercial aviation history. The company continues to introduce upgrades, including a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit designed to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS) aimed at reducing airline maintenance requirements. The Times of India reported that the list price of a LEAP-1A engine is around $14.5 million, which would put the theoretical list-price value of more than 1,000 engines at above $14.5 billion. However, actual transaction values are generally not disclosed because engine pricing varies between customers and agreements. CFM International is a 50:50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. The company produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets worldwide. The partnership is also developing the RISE programme, which is focused on next-generation propulsion technologies for future commercial aircraft. For IndiGo, the agreement represents more than a major engine procurement. The combination of a record LEAP-1A commitment, long-term material support and plans for expanded MRO capabilities in India gives the airline a broader support structure for its next phase of fleet growth. It also reflects the increasing scale of India's commercial aviation market and the growing role of local maintenance and aerospace infrastructure in supporting the country's expanding airline fleets.

IndiGo Signs Record Deal For 1,000+ CFM LEAP Engines To Power 510 Airbus Jets

Aviation Today News Desk July 21, 2026

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFM International for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to

Mirabel, Canada: Airbus Canada and Pratt & Whitney have declared that the technical issues that disrupted the Airbus A220 programme for several years are nearing resolution, with both companies expecting no A220 aircraft to remain grounded due to geared turbofan (GTF) engine problems by the end of 2026. The update was shared during a media briefing at Airbus Canada's A220 final assembly facility in Mirabel, Québec, where company executives outlined the programme's improving operational outlook. According to reporting by Leeham News & Analysis, only around 2% to 3% of grounded A220 aircraft are now out of service because of GTF engine-related issues, a sharp improvement from previous years when engine durability problems forced airlines to ground significant portions of their fleets. Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive of Airbus Canada, said the programme had turned a corner after years of supply chain disruptions and engine-related operational challenges. "The AOG (Aircraft on Ground) crisis is over," Chevasson said during the briefing, adding that technical issues affecting the A220 fleet were now "close to zero." He noted that Airbus' collaboration with Pratt & Whitney had strengthened considerably, describing the relationship as being at a "very good level." According to Chevasson, the PW1500G geared turbofan engine is now performing as intended and has reached reliability levels approaching those of the Airbus A320 family. He added that the engine has matured sufficiently for intensive, high-cycle operations typical of regional and short-haul routes. A series of design improvements incorporated into the latest engine standard has significantly enhanced reliability, helping reduce operational disruptions for airlines. Chevasson also said the A220 programme's supply chain, which has been affected by global industrial disruptions in recent years, is showing clear signs of stabilisation. He highlighted the integration of Airbus' Belfast wing manufacturing facility formerly owned by Spirit AeroSystems as another milestone in strengthening programme stability. Bringing the facility under Airbus ownership has provided greater industrial control and improved production resilience, he said. Beyond the current programme recovery, Airbus is also advancing work on a stretched A220 variant, commonly referred to as the A220-500. While no formal launch decision has been taken, Chevasson confirmed that studies have been accelerated and Airbus is working closely with airline customers to develop what he described as a "simple" and "low-risk" aircraft that could be brought to market quickly. The latest update marks a significant milestone for the A220 programme, which has faced years of challenges linked to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine family. The PW1500G powering the A220, along with the PW1100G used on the A320neo family, has been affected by durability issues and inspections stemming from manufacturing defects in powdered metal components, leading to widespread aircraft groundings and maintenance backlogs across the aviation industry. Pratt & Whitney has been expanding maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capacity and implementing design improvements to accelerate engine repairs and reduce turnaround times. Airbus has also repeatedly stated that engine availability and supply chain constraints have been among the primary factors limiting A220 production in recent years. The latest comments from Airbus Canada indicate those efforts are beginning to deliver tangible results, with technical issues now largely resolved and the programme entering a more stable phase as manufacturers work toward eliminating engine-related A220 groundings before the end of 2026.

Airbus, Pratt Say A220 GTF Groundings To End By 2026 As Engine Reliability Improves

Aviation Today News Desk July 16, 2026

Mirabel, Canada: Airbus Canada and Pratt & Whitney have declared that the technical issues that disrupted the Airbus A220 programme for

IATA Warns Engine MRO Crisis Could Worsen As Single-Aisle Fleets Expand

Aviation Today News Desk June 27, 2026

Madrid, Spain: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that growing bottlenecks in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of

Bengaluru, India: India has taken a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter jet programme after state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace concluded a critical technical agreement for the co-production of F414 jet engines, paving the way for a final commercial contract expected later this year. The development marks a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, as the F414 engine is slated to power three key indigenous combat aircraft the Tejas Mk2, the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and the initial variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). HAL and GE Aerospace have finalised the technical aspects of the agreement, including complex negotiations around technology transfer widely regarded as the most challenging phase of the deal. With this stage completed, both sides have moved into commercial negotiations, which are expected to take additional time due to rising global component costs and pricing complexities. Officials indicate that the final contract could be signed within the current financial year, marking the culmination of negotiations that have been underway for nearly three years. A central feature of the agreement is the transfer of approximately 80% of manufacturing technology from GE Aerospace to HAL, one of the most substantial technology transfer arrangements ever secured by India in the aerospace sector. The deal will enable India to manufacture advanced fighter jet engines domestically, significantly reducing dependence on imports and strengthening long-term self-reliance in critical defence technologies. Under the agreement: 99 F414 engines are planned to be manufactured in India for the Tejas Mk2 programme The Indian Air Force (IAF) has projected a requirement of 120–130 Tejas Mk2 aircraft, indicating further engine demand The co-production programme will involve licensed manufacturing in India, not just assembly The engine, capable of delivering around 98 kN of thrust, is critical for the performance requirements of next-generation Indian fighter platforms. Tejas Mk2 The F414 engine will power the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced and heavier variant of the Light Combat Aircraft designed to replace ageing fleets and enhance the IAF’s combat capability. TEDBF (Naval Fighter) The Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter, intended for aircraft carrier operations, will rely on dual F414 engines for enhanced thrust and maritime capability. AMCA (5th-Generation Fighter) The initial version of India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, AMCA Mk1, is also expected to use the F414 engine before transitioning to a more powerful indigenous or co-developed engine in later variants. The agreement is expected to play a key role in: Boosting indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative Strengthening India–US defence cooperation, particularly in high-end aerospace technologies Addressing the Indian Air Force’s declining squadron strength, a major operational concern Enabling future fighter programmes without dependence on foreign engine supplies Experts note that local production of such high-performance engines represents a critical capability gap that India has long sought to bridge. The HAL–GE engine collaboration traces back to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. Since then, negotiations have focused heavily on securing deep technology transfer, with India insisting on a minimum threshold of around 80% for the deal to proceed. Following the conclusion of technical discussions in April 2026, the programme has now entered its final phase before contract signing. Once finalised, the agreement will not only power multiple indigenous fighter programmes but also mark a decisive shift towards domestic production of advanced jet engines, a capability currently limited to a handful of countries worldwide.

HAL-GE F414 Engine Deal Moves Closer To Reality, Set To Power Tejas Mk2, TEDBF & AMCA

Aviation Today News Desk April 26, 2026

Bengaluru, India: India has taken a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter jet programme after state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

New Delhi, India: India’s aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry is projected to grow into a $4 billion market by 2031, supported by regulatory reforms, rising aircraft inductions and increasing participation from global aviation companies, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said. The minister made the remarks while addressing an aviation industry gathering, where he outlined the government’s strategy to transform India into a competitive global MRO destination and curb the country’s heavy reliance on overseas maintenance facilities. At present, nearly nine out of ten Indian-registered aircraft are maintained abroad, primarily due to cost disadvantages and regulatory complexities. This has resulted in substantial foreign exchange outflows, estimated by industry bodies at over $1.5 billion annually. Officials believe that strengthening domestic MRO capacity can reverse this trend while improving operational efficiency for Indian airlines. Naidu said the government has undertaken a series of policy measures to improve the sector’s viability, most notably the reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on MRO services from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, placing India on a more level footing with established MRO hubs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. “These reforms are intended to create a stable, predictable and investor-friendly environment,” the minister said, adding that lower taxation and streamlined compliance procedures have already begun to attract international players. The inauguration of new facilities, including Safran Aircraft Engine Services India, has been cited by the ministry as a key milestone in building a strong MRO ecosystem. The Safran facility is expected to support next-generation aircraft engines and contribute to skill development, technology transfer and local employment. India’s commercial aviation sector continues to expand rapidly. The country is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, and its fleet size is expected to grow sharply over the next decade. Industry projections suggest that Indian airlines could be operating more than 1,500 aircraft by the early 2030s, significantly increasing demand for routine maintenance, heavy checks and engine overhauls. Government officials say a robust MRO sector will help airlines reduce aircraft downtime, lower operating costs and improve fleet availability. The sector is also expected to generate high-skilled jobs in engineering, tooling, quality assurance and aviation safety, while supporting allied industries such as component manufacturing and logistics. Naidu reiterated that developing domestic MRO capabilities aligns with the government’s broader “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. By retaining maintenance work within the country, India aims to strengthen its position across the global aviation value chain and reduce long-term dependence on foreign service providers. The ministry has indicated that further policy fine-tuning and infrastructure development, particularly at major airports and upcoming aviation hubs, will continue as part of efforts to sustain long-term growth in the sector.

India Eyes $4 Billion MRO Market By 2031 To Cut Overseas Aircraft Maintenance

Aviation Today News Desk December 17, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry is projected to grow into a $4 billion market by

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MRO

IndiGo Signs Record Deal For 1,000+ CFM LEAP Engines To Power 510 Airbus Jets

Airbus, Pratt Say A220 GTF Groundings To End By 2026 As Engine Reliability Improves

IATA Warns Engine MRO Crisis Could Worsen As Single-Aisle Fleets Expand

HAL-GE F414 Engine Deal Moves Closer To Reality, Set To Power Tejas Mk2, TEDBF & AMCA

India Eyes $4 Billion MRO Market By 2031 To Cut Overseas Aircraft Maintenance

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