StandardAero’s engine overhaul center in San Antonio, TX has completed correlation of its first test cell for the CFM International LEAP-1B turbofan engine, thereby achieving another milestone in its introduction of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. The San Antonio facility is now able to undertake LEAP-1B functional and performance engine testing for Boeing 737 MAX customers, with LEAP-1A test cell capabilities in support of the A320neo customer base expected to follow shortly.

This addition of engine test capabilities for the LEAP-1B comes four months after StandardAero’s 810,000 sq. ft. facility in San Antonio began to accept continued time engine maintenance (CTEM) workscopes for LEAP powerplants, with customer shop visits now underway. The achievement also paves the way for the introduction of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B performance restoration shop visit (PRSV) capability, which is expected to be attained by the end of the year.

StandardAero supports the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B as a CFM authorized service provider, having signed the first North American non-airline CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA) for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B in March 2023.

Commenting on the latest milestone, James Campbell, Vice President & General Manager – Commercial Programs for StandardAero’s Airlines & Fleets division, said, “StandardAero is delighted to introduce its new test cell capability in support of the global LEAP-1B community, with LEAP-1A test cell correlation to follow shortly. We will be correlating a second test cell to support the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B in the near future, in order to provide suitable test capacity once our PRSV activities ramp-up. Our team of MRO service specialists here in San Antonio look forward to supporting the engine MRO needs of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX operators worldwide, in support of the LEAP open MRO ecosystem.”

In addition to establishing MRO capability for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B at its San Antonio facility, StandardAero is also industrializing new engine component repairs for the LEAP family through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division’s network of locations, and its Repair Development Center of Excellence. To date, StandardAero’s CRS team has developed and industrialized more than 225 component repairs for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.

StandardAero also continues to grow its team of LEAP technicians through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program, located at its San Antonio site’s Training Academy.