MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Progresses on Engine Delivery Recovery and Expands in Morocco
Safran addresses LEAP engine delays impacting Airbus with increased deliveries and a new Morocco facility to boost production capacity.
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
Photo Credit: Reuters
MRO & Manufacturing
AMAC Aerospace Completes Maintenance on Bombardier Jets in Basel
AMAC Aerospace finished maintenance and refurbishment projects on five Bombardier business jets, combining inspections with upgrades to minimize downtime.
This article is based on an official press release from AMAC Aerospace.
On May 8, 2026, AMAC Aerospace, the world’s largest privately owned Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Completion center, announced the successful completion of several maintenance and refurbishment projects on a fleet of Bombardier business jets. The work, conducted at the company’s headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, underscores a growing industry strategy where operators combine mandatory calendar-based maintenance with interior and exterior upgrades.
According to the official press release, the recent projects involved five distinct Bombardier aircraft and were completed in early 2026. As business aviation continues to experience robust demand, MRO facilities are seeing their schedules fill up rapidly. AMAC Aerospace has reported that its maintenance slots are currently booked well into mid-2026, reflecting a highly active sector.
Recent Bombardier Maintenance and Refurbishment Projects
Global Express and Global 5000 Overhauls
The company detailed extensive work on two of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range jets. A Bombardier Global Express arrived at the Basel facility on a short-notice, drop-in basis for due maintenance. During this visit, the AMAC team performed an ultrasonic inspection of the engine’s low-pressure (LP) compressor disc. Additionally, the press release noted that technicians successfully rectified a cabin noise issue that had been reported by the long-term customer.
Simultaneously, a Bombardier Global 5000 underwent a scheduled 15-month inspection, which is a standard regulatory requirement for the airframe. According to AMAC Aerospace, this project included both interior and exterior enhancements. Technicians replaced the cabin countertops, as well as the aircraft’s windshield and nose cone. The new nose cone was custom-painted to seamlessly match the fuselage’s existing lines and colors.
Challenger 604 and 605 Inspections
In the heavy-class corporate jet category, AMAC Aerospace completed work on three Challenger series aircraft. A Bombardier Challenger 604 underwent standard 12-month and 24-month calendar inspections. Routine maintenance for the Challenger 600 series is rigorous, with industry data indicating that annual maintenance costs for a Challenger 604 or 605 typically range between $650,000 and $900,000, depending on utilization.
Two Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft were also serviced. The first completed a standard 12-month inspection. The second Challenger 605 underwent a 24-month inspection combined with a comprehensive cabin refurbishment. According to the company’s statement, the interior upgrades featured the installation of new carpets alongside new leather covers for the seats and divan, illustrating the trend of maximizing downtime efficiency.
Industry Trends Driving MRO Demand
The “One-Stop-Shop” Approach
Aircraft downtime represents a significant cost for private owners and charter operators. To mitigate this, a major trend in business aviation is the “one-stop-shop” efficiency model. Operators are increasingly combining mandatory maintenance checks with cosmetic or avionics upgrades. AMAC Aerospace utilizes this business model to allow maintenance, refurbishment, and modifications to occur simultaneously, thereby reducing overall ground time.
“The industry is currently facing longer lead times for materials from vendors due to high worldwide demand.”
Following this observation, Kurz urged operators to plan their maintenance downtime and secure hangar slots months in advance to avoid operational disruptions.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the aging fleets of early Global Express models and Challenger 604s, which were produced until 2006, are driving a significant portion of this refurbishment market. While these airframes remain highly viable and structurally sound, their interiors and technology often require modernization to meet current executive standards.
Instead of purchasing new aircraft, which can easily exceed $50 million, many owners are opting to heavily refurbish the interiors of their existing jets during heavy maintenance checks. Furthermore, with Bombardier’s introduction of the “Evolved Maintenance Intervals” program for the 604/605, which lengthens the time between certain inspections, accurate logbook tracking and strategic planning with MROs have become highly critical for operators looking to maximize their assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMAC Aerospace?
Founded in 2007, AMAC Aerospace is the largest privately owned MRO and Completion center in the world. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the company employs nearly 1,000 people globally and is an approved center for major OEMs including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, and Gulfstream.
Why are operators combining maintenance with refurbishments?
Aircraft downtime is costly. By combining mandatory calendar-based inspections (such as 12-month or 24-month checks) with interior refurbishments or component replacements, operators can minimize the total time their aircraft is grounded and out of service.
Sources
Photo Credit: AMAC Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Mobix Labs Expands Boeing 737NG Connectivity Components Order
Mobix Labs secures new order for secure onboard data-loading systems in Boeing 737NG aircraft amid aerospace MRO market growth.
This article is based on an official press release from Mobix Labs, supplemented by industry research.
On May 12, 2026, Irvine, California-based Mobix Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOBX) announced a new product order from a returning aerospace customer. The order expands the deployment of the company’s advanced connectivity components within a secure onboard data-loading system certified for the Boeing 737NG commercial aircraft family.
While the company described the order volume as modest in its official press release, the strategic implications are notable. Securing and maintaining a footprint in the highly regulated aerospace sector, particularly within one of the world’s most widely operated aircraft fleets, validates the company’s technology in a market characterized by exceptionally high barriers to entry.
This development arrives during a broader aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) super-cycle. With global supply chain bottlenecks delaying new aircraft deliveries, airlines are extending the operational lives of legacy platforms like the 737NG, driving sustained demand for avionics support, secure software updates, and replacement components.
The Boeing 737NG Data-Loading System
According to the Mobix Labs press release, the returning customer is an established aerospace electronics provider that resumed orders after a brief pause. The components are utilized in a secure onboard data-loading system responsible for transferring operational software, navigation databases, and critical system updates to the aircraft’s avionics.
Industry research indicates that modern onboard data loaders have largely replaced legacy portable systems, utilizing secure wireless protocols to distribute software directly to the aircraft. Because these systems interface with critical flight avionics, they must meet stringent cybersecurity and operational standards to protect against vulnerabilities.
Strategic Significance of the Platform
The Boeing 737 Next Generation family, which includes the -600, -700, -800, and -900/900ER variants, remains a cornerstone of global aviation. Research data shows there are currently more than 5,000 Boeing 737NG aircraft in active service worldwide, carrying millions of passengers daily.
In the company’s press release, Mobix Labs CEO Phil Sansone emphasized the rigorous nature of the aviation market:
“This new order is exactly the type of aerospace engagement we are working to grow across Mobix Labs. Having our technology continue to be selected for deployment within a certified onboard aircraft system supporting Boeing 737NG platforms is an important milestone for the Company, and it reflects the type of high-reliability aviation application where qualification, performance, and operational standards are exceptionally demanding.”
Industry Tailwinds and the MRO Super-Cycle
The timing of this repeat order aligns with significant macroeconomic trends in the commercial aviation industry. We are currently observing an MRO super-cycle driven by severe supply-chain constraints across the aerospace manufacturing sector.
Industry estimates highlight a backlog of over 17,000 new aircraft orders across major manufacturers. Compounded by engine manufacturing defects, such as the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan issues, airlines are forced to operate older aircraft for longer durations. By 2025, the average global aircraft fleet age had risen to approximately 15 years, up from a pre-pandemic average of 13 years.
AirPro News analysis
For suppliers like Mobix Labs, this aging fleet dynamic creates a lucrative secondary market. Commercial aircraft typically remain in service for decades, requiring continuous software and navigation database refreshes. Once a component clears the rigorous, multi-year qualification process and is embedded into a certified platform, it becomes highly difficult to displace. This “sticky” relationship generates long-term service and replacement revenue, insulating qualified suppliers from short-term market volatility and establishing a reliable foundation for compounding repeat orders.
Mobix Labs Corporate Context
Based in Irvine, California, Mobix Labs operates as a fabless semiconductor company providing connectivity, RF, and filtering technologies for aerospace, defense, 5G, and mission-critical markets.
The company has experienced a mix of operational growth and financial restructuring. According to industry reports, Mobix Labs delivered over 50% year-over-year revenue growth in fiscal 2025, driven by aerospace and defense demand. In April 2026, the company also announced a strategic expansion into the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and drone market, leveraging its wireless connectivity technologies for military and commercial applications. Furthermore, reports indicate the company is pursuing an acquisition of wireless technology firm Peraso.
Financial Headwinds
Despite top-line growth, the micro-cap technology company faces ongoing financial challenges. As of May 2026, its market capitalization sits at approximately $23 million. Financial analysts note a high cash burn rate, which prompted the company to execute a 1-for-10 reverse stock split in April 2026 to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mobix Labs component do on the Boeing 737NG?
The component is embedded within a secure onboard data-loading system. This system is responsible for safely transferring operational software, navigation databases, and critical aircraft system updates to the onboard avionics.
Why is the aerospace MRO market currently growing?
Severe supply chain bottlenecks and a massive backlog of over 17,000 new aircraft orders are forcing airlines to fly older planes longer. This has increased the average global fleet age to 15 years, driving sustained demand for maintenance, repair, and avionics upgrades.
Sources
Photo Credit: Mobix Labs
MRO & Manufacturing
Locatory and AvSight Launch Aviation Marketplace Integration
Locatory and AvSight announce a software integration to streamline inventory publishing and RFQ management for aviation suppliers and MRO providers.
This article is based on an official press release from Locatory and AvSight.
On May 7, 2026, aviation marketplace Locatory.com and cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform AvSight announced a direct software integration. According to the official press release, the new connection is designed to streamline workflows for aviation suppliers and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers by linking AvSight’s ERP system directly with Locatory’s global parts marketplace.
The integration allows users to automatically publish inventory, receive Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and respond to buyers entirely within the AvSight platform. By bridging the two systems, the companies aim to eliminate the need for manual data entry and cross-platform management, a common bottleneck in aviation logistics.
For suppliers and MRO providers, this development promises expanded marketplace reach with significantly less administrative overhead. Once connected, a company’s Locatory presence can be managed natively from AvSight, ensuring that listings stay updated automatically and incoming buyer requests are handled in the same digital environment that teams already use daily.
Streamlining Aviation Logistics
Centralized Inventory and RFQ Management
The newly announced integration addresses major administrative pain points in the aviation aftermarket. According to the press release, companies no longer need to log into Locatory as a separate platform to manage their marketplace presence. Instead, inventory and MRO capabilities are published automatically from AvSight.
When a buyer submits a request on Locatory, the RFQ lands directly in the supplier’s AvSight queue. The companies state that this direct routing eliminates the need to monitor a secondary inbox or manually import data. Teams can quote or decline requests directly within AvSight’s existing workflow, with responses syncing back to the Locatory.com buyer in real time.
“Scale Your Reach Without Scaling Your Workload.”
To maintain data accuracy, the systems perform a nightly automatic synchronization. According to the release, this ensures that Locatory listings accurately reflect current inventory data, drastically reducing the risk of quoting parts that have already been sold or are no longer in stock.
The Companies Behind the Integration
AvSight’s Cloud Foundation
Founded in 2016 by aviation technology experts, AvSight is a cloud-based ERP platform built specifically for the aviation aftermarket. Corporate background data notes that its target audience includes parts distributors, aviation suppliers, MRO facilities, and lessors. A key differentiator for AvSight is its native foundation on the Salesforce platform, which provides enterprise-grade security, mobile accessibility, and seamless API integration capabilities. The system combines inventory management, quoting, repairs, sales orders, compliance tracking, and finance into a single hub.
Locatory’s Global Reach
Founded in 2010, Locatory operates as one of the top three global aviation marketplaces for aircraft parts and MRO capabilities. According to company data, the platform provides access to over 10 billion aircraft parts, boasts more than 25,000 active industry members, and connects over 150 warehouses worldwide. Furthermore, Locatory reports a 95 percent search success rate across its extensive parts database.
Locatory is a subsidiary of the Avia Solutions Group, which is recognized as the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft. Under the leadership of CEO Toma Matutyte, the marketplace has evolved into a comprehensive aviation IT solutions provider.
“[Our goal is to provide] more automation for our customers that they would get more data, more knowledge, more information from the market automatically.”
Industry Impact and Digital Transformation
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that this integration represents a critical step in the modernization of the aviation aftermarket. Historically, the aviation industry has relied heavily on fragmented legacy software, spreadsheets, and manual email chains. Integrations like the one between AvSight and Locatory highlight a broader industry shift toward interconnected, cloud-based ecosystems where data flows seamlessly between internal ERPs and global marketplaces.
We note that the aviation supply chain is currently facing significant pressure. Demands on legacy engine platforms, delayed new aircraft deliveries, and widespread parts shortages require suppliers to maximize their global reach. However, hiring massive administrative teams to manage data entry across multiple platforms is rarely cost-effective. By eliminating the “swivel chair” workflow, where employees constantly switch between different software screens and inboxes, suppliers can tap into Locatory’s massive network of buyers without scaling their headcount.
Furthermore, in the aviation aftermarket, margins are tight and turnaround times are critical, especially during Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations. Manually updating inventory across multiple marketplaces often leads to outdated listings, delayed response times, and ultimately, lost sales. The nightly synchronization feature of this integration directly mitigates these risks, ensuring that buyers are only quoted for parts that are genuinely available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AvSight and Locatory integration?
It is a software connection that allows aviation suppliers and MRO providers using the AvSight ERP to automatically publish their inventory to the Locatory marketplace. It also routes buyer Requests for Quotes (RFQs) from Locatory directly into the AvSight system for seamless processing.
How often does the inventory data sync between the platforms?
According to the press release, the integration features a nightly automatic synchronization to keep Locatory listings aligned with current AvSight inventory data.
Do users need to log into Locatory.com to respond to buyers?
No. The integration allows users to review, process, quote, or decline RFQs directly from within their existing AvSight workflow, with responses syncing back to the buyer in real time.
Sources: Locatory Press Release
Photo Credit: Locatory
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