Lufthansa Technik has signed a license agreement with engine nacelle producer Safran Nacelles for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of Airbus A320neo’s LEAP-1A nacelles.
Over 2,500 nacelles produced by Safran Nacelles are currently in service on Airbus A320neo aircraft that are powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines.
Lufthansa Technik MRO agreement
Lufthansa Technik will become a member of Safran Nacelles’ licensed MRO network. The company will be able to carry out warranty tasks, repairs and modifications guaranteed by Safran Nacelles, the OEM.
Lufthansa Technik currently maintains a rotable asset pool of LEAP-1A components, and is able to offer its customers spares availability from OEM stock locations and MRO services.
A320neo operators will stand to benefit from the pairing of the two companies, particularly given both Safran Nacelles and Lufthansa Technik’s extensive repair experience.
Alain Berger, Safran Nacelles’ Executive Vice President – Customer Support & Services, stated: “I look forward to sharing with Lufthansa Technik our best OEM quality standards. Operators of the A320neo nacelles can therefore rest assured that they will benefit from the best repairs in an extensive network of global stations.”
“We are delighted to extend our long standing partnership with Safran Nacelles through this MRO license”, said Andreas Drosdowski, Vice President Aircraft Component Services at Lufthansa Technik.
“The LEAP-1A engine type represents a major part of the future of Lufthansa Technik’s nacelle portfolio and the long-term commitment to providing top level spare availability and MRO services to our valued customers.”
The LEAP-1A engine
The LEAP-1A is a high-bypass turbofan jet engine produced by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines. It is designed for use on the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft and entered service in 2016.
The LEAP-1A features advanced technologies, including 3D woven carbon fiber composite fan blades and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) combustor liner, which help to reduce weight and increase efficiency.
It also incorporates a new fan design with a larger diameter and fewer blades, which reduces noise and boosts performance.
The engine has a thrust range of 23,000 to 35,000 pounds and is designed to deliver up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation engines. It also also emits fewer pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Key benefits of LEAP-1A
The LEAP-1A engine offers several benefits, including:
- Improved fuel efficiency: The engine is designed to deliver up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation engines. This translates to lower operating costs for airlines, which can help to make air travel more affordable for passengers.
- Reduced emissions: The LEAP-1A emits fewer pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, compared to previous generation engines. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option for airlines.
- Lower noise levels: The engine incorporates a new fan design with a larger diameter and fewer blades, which reduces noise levels. This makes it a quieter option for airports and surrounding communities.
- Lightweight design: The LEAP-1A features advanced technologies, such as 3D woven carbon fiber composite fan blades and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) combustor liner, which help to reduce weight. This can result in improved aircraft performance and lower fuel consumption.
- Reliability: The engine has demonstrated a high level of reliability in service, which is important for airlines in terms of minimizing downtime and ensuring passenger safety.
The LEAP-1A has been well received by airlines and has become a popular choice for the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft. As of 2021, over 1,500 LEAP-1A engines have been ordered and more than 500 have been delivered.
