Safran Progresses on Engine Delivery Recovery and Expands in Morocco

Safran’s Engine Delivery Recovery: Progress, Challenges, and Strategic Expansion

The aerospace sector is a critical pillar of global transportation and commerce, relying on the seamless coordination of manufacturers, suppliers, and airlines. In recent years, disruptions in this finely tuned ecosystem have underscored the importance of robust supply chains and agile manufacturing processes. One of the most prominent examples has been the engine delivery delays affecting Airbus, with French engine maker Safran at the center of efforts to resolve these challenges.

Safran’s CFM LEAP engines, produced in partnership with GE Aerospace, power the widely popular Airbus A320neo family of aircraft. Production bottlenecks, exacerbated by supply chain fragility, technical hurdles, and labor disruptions, have led to a backlog of finished Airbus jets awaiting engines. The situation has drawn close scrutiny from industry stakeholders, investors, and airlines alike, as both Safran and Airbus strive to meet ambitious delivery targets for 2025 and beyond.

Amid these challenges, Safran’s CEO Olivier Andriès has expressed renewed confidence in the company’s recovery trajectory. His assertion that Safran is “on a good path” to catch up with engine delays by the end of October 2025 offers a cautiously optimistic outlook for the sector. This article examines the root causes of the delays, the progress made, and the strategic initiatives shaping the future of engine manufacturing.

Root Causes and Impacts of Engine Delivery Delays

Supply Chain Disruptions and Technical Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply-chains, particularly in industries reliant on specialized materials and components. For Safran, the recovery from pandemic-induced disruptions has been slow, with shortages of raw materials and key engine parts hampering production rates. The aerospace supply chain’s complexity, involving hundreds of suppliers across continents, means that even minor delays can cascade into significant production challenges.

Beyond supply chain issues, the LEAP engine itself has presented technical hurdles. Designed for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the LEAP engine operates at higher temperatures, which has led to durability concerns, especially in hot and dusty environments. Premature wear on high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades necessitated design upgrades and retrofits, further slowing the pace of engine deliveries to Airbus.

Labor disruptions compounded these technical and supply chain issues. A strike at a Safran facility earlier in 2025 temporarily halted production, adding to the backlog. The cumulative effect of these challenges resulted in a significant number of “gliders”, fully assembled Airbus aircraft parked and waiting for engines. At its peak, this number reached approximately 60, disrupting Airbus’s delivery schedules and impacting airline customers awaiting new aircraft.

“The most challenging part of the aerospace supply chain today is engines,” remarked Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury in September 2025, reflecting the critical role of engine availability in meeting production targets.

Airbus Delivery Performance and Market Implications

Despite these setbacks, Airbus has demonstrated resilience in ramping up deliveries. As of September 2025, Airbus reported a record 73 jet deliveries for the month, signaling that engine supply constraints are beginning to ease. Over the first nine months of 2025, the company delivered 507 aircraft and aims to reach an annual target of approximately 820, requiring 313 additional deliveries in the fourth quarter.

The reduction in the “glider” fleet is a positive indicator of progress. While Airbus and Safran have not disclosed the current number of undelivered aircraft awaiting engines, reports confirm a significant decrease from earlier in the year. This improvement is attributed to Safran’s efforts to resolve technical issues and accelerate engine production, as well as coordinated action across the broader supply chain.

The delays, however, have wider market implications. Competitors may seek to capitalize on the supply chain challenges facing Airbus and Safran, while airlines must adjust their fleet plans and delivery schedules. The situation has also prompted increased demand for aftermarket services, as airlines extend the operational life of existing aircraft while awaiting new deliveries.

“I have always said that we wanted to catch up on the delays by the end of October and I think we are on a good path,” stated Safran CEO Olivier Andriès on October 13, 2025, underscoring the company’s determination to resolve the backlog.

Safran’s Strategic Response and Future Outlook

Operational Recovery and Financial Resilience

Safran’s leadership has taken a proactive approach to address the challenges, implementing both immediate and long-term solutions. The company forecasts a 15-20% increase in total LEAP engine deliveries for 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting its commitment to restoring normalcy to Airbus’s production flow.

Financially, Safran has managed to weather the storm, buoyed by strong performance in its aftermarket services division. As airlines contend with delayed deliveries, demand for spare parts and maintenance has surged, providing a buffer for Safran’s revenues. In a sign of confidence, the company recently raised its financial outlook for 2025, citing improved operational resilience and ongoing investments in capacity expansion.

Industry analysts, while encouraged by recent progress, remain cautious. Meeting Airbus’s ambitious delivery targets will require sustained improvements in engine output and continued stability across the supply chain. The analyst firm Forecast International has noted that, even with increased production rates, achieving the full-year delivery goal remains a formidable challenge.

Strategic Expansion: The Morocco Industrial Complex

In a move designed to bolster long-term capacity and de-risk its supply chain, Safran has announced a major investments in a new industrial complex in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility will serve as Safran’s only LEAP-1A engine assembly line outside of France and is central to the company’s future production strategy.

The Casablanca complex will house both an assembly and testing line for the LEAP-1A engine, used exclusively on the Airbus A320neo family, and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. Once operational in 2028, the assembly line is expected to produce up to 350 engines per year, accounting for roughly 25% of Safran’s Airbus-related output. The MRO shop will handle up to 150 engines annually, supporting both new deliveries and aftermarket needs.

Safran’s investment in Morocco exceeds 350 million euros and is projected to create 900 jobs by 2030. This expansion not only enhances Safran’s global footprint but also strengthens the company’s ability to respond to future demand surges and unforeseen disruptions. By diversifying its manufacturing base, Safran aims to achieve a global production increase to approximately 2,500 LEAP engines per year from 2028 onward.

“All suppliers are prepared to support the 2025 delivery goals and all aircraft required to meet the target are already in assembly,” said Airbus Operations Chief Florent Massou dit Labaquère in October 2025, highlighting the coordinated effort across the supply chain.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

The recent engine delivery delays have underscored the interconnectedness and complexity of the aerospace supply chain. Safran’s experience highlights the importance of robust contingency planning, continuous technical innovation, and strategic investments in capacity expansion. While the immediate crisis appears to be abating, sustained vigilance and collaboration will be essential to prevent future disruptions.

Looking forward, Safran’s strategic expansion in Morocco and its commitment to operational excellence position the company to better serve Airbus and the broader aviation market. As global air travel demand continues to recover and grow, the lessons learned from this episode will inform future approaches to supply chain management and manufacturing agility within the aerospace industry.

FAQ

What caused the engine delivery delays at Safran?
The delays were due to a combination of supply chain disruptions following the pandemic, technical issues with the LEAP engine’s high-pressure turbine blades, and labor strikes at a Safran facility.

How has Airbus been affected by these delays?
Airbus experienced a backlog of finished aircraft, known as “gliders,” awaiting engines. This impacted their delivery schedules and required coordinated efforts to resolve.

What is Safran doing to prevent future delays?
Safran is investing in a new engine assembly and maintenance complex in Morocco, expanding its production capacity and diversifying its manufacturing base to reduce future risks.

Sources: Reuters