CFM International and International Airlines Group (IAG) signed an agreement for a CFM Premier MRO license covering both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, reinforcing the global support ecosystem for CFM's fastest-growing engine family.
As part of the agreement, Iberia's engine shop in La Muñoza, near Madrid-Barajas Airport which has more than 50 years of experience, will be positioned as a strategic hub for LEAP MRO activity in Europe within CFM's global LEAP MRO ecosystem. Its capabilities will be progressively expanded to support operators worldwide, including IAG airline fleets, with initial LEAP inductions planned for first quarter 2027.
"Becoming a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider places IAG and Iberia in a strategic position to develop a business with strong growth and profitability potential. This agreement strengthens our international presence, consolidating our position among the leading global providers of engine maintenance for single-aisle aircraft," said Marco Sansavini, CEO of Iberia. "In the current context of high macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, long-term investments such as this one — which form part of our Flight Plan 2030 — enable us to continue advancing Iberia's transformation, strengthening its profitability, cost efficiency and operational robustness, and further preparing us for future challenges."
"IAG and Iberia have been a long-term partner for CFM – from overhauling CFM56 engines since 1992 and being the first airline to take delivery of a LEAP-1A-powered A321XLR. We are delighted to welcome them to the LEAP Premier MRO ecosystem," said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. "We're forecasting CFM LEAP shop visits to increase significantly by the end of this decade as the fleet continues to expand. The addition of IAG to the LEAP MRO network reflects our commitment to an open ecosystem that will further strengthen world-class support for our airline customers."
LEAP engines power more than 4,600 aircraft, including the majority of Airbus A320neo and all Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft. Orders have steadily grown for the engines, resulting in a strong backlog.
CFM LEAP Premier MRO shops are part of an open MRO ecosystem in which CFM, Premier MRO providers, and third-party shops compete for MRO services. Premier MRO licensees retain the highest level of training and support from CFM, as well as increased access to proprietary overhaul and repair technology. Because the open MRO ecosystem fosters competition, it allows operators to optimize costs and to secure induction slots with turnaround times to meet their schedule and work scope needs, while also supporting higher engine residual value as seen with CFM56 engines today.
