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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
What caused the engine delivery delays at Safran? How has Airbus been affected by these delays? What is Safran doing to prevent future delays? Sources: Reuters
Safran’s Engine Delivery Recovery: Progress, Challenges, and Strategic Expansion
Root Causes and Impacts of Engine Delivery Delays
Supply Chain Disruptions and Technical Challenges
Airbus Delivery Performance and Market Implications
Safran’s Strategic Response and Future Outlook
Operational Recovery and Financial Resilience
Strategic Expansion: The Morocco Industrial Complex
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
FAQ
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.
Airbus experienced a backlog of finished aircraft, known as “gliders,” awaiting engines. This impacted their delivery schedules and required coordinated efforts to resolve.
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.
Photo Credit: Reuters
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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