MRO & Manufacturing
UAMCO and Safran Partner to Build LEAP Engine Test Facility in Cyprus
UAMCO and Safran Test Cells announce a new LEAP engine test facility in Cyprus, boosting MRO capacity and supporting sustainable aviation fuel use.
Strategic Agreement Marks Major Milestone for Cyprus Aviation Sector
United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd has officially announced a strategic agreement with Safran Test Cells to design and construct a new engine test facility in Larnaca, Cyprus. This development represents a pivotal moment for the independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector in the Eastern Mediterranean. The collaboration focuses on establishing a state-of-the-art testing environment dedicated to the CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families respectively.
The aviation industry is currently navigating a complex landscape defined by supply chain constraints and high demand for engine maintenance. As next-generation engines require servicing earlier than initially projected, particularly those operating in harsh environments, the global capacity for MRO services has been stretched thin. This agreement positions UAMCO to directly address these bottlenecks by expanding its capabilities from “quick-turn” maintenance to full engine overhaul services.
By partnering with Safran Test Cells, a subsidiary of Safran Aero Boosters and a world leader in aero-engine test facilities, UAMCO secures access to industry-standard technology. This infrastructure is a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary certifications to perform full performance restoration shop visits. We view this move as a significant step toward establishing Cyprus as a critical node in the global aviation support network, connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Facility Specifications and Operational Timeline
The new test cell will be located near UAMCO’s existing engine shop in the Larnaca Free Trade Zone. According to the project scope, the facility is designed to handle approximately 250 engine tests per year. This capacity addition is substantial for the region, offering airlines a viable alternative to overcrowded MRO shops in Western Europe and North America. The design prioritizes versatility, ensuring compatibility with both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engine variants.
Construction is currently underway, with a targeted completion date set for December 2026. Following the physical construction, the facility will undergo a rigorous calibration and certification process. Full operational commissioning by CFM International is targeted for the first quarter of 2027. Once active, this facility will allow UAMCO to validate engine performance post-overhaul, a critical final step in the maintenance process that ensures engines are safe to return to service.
In alignment with broader aviation industry goals regarding decarbonization, the test cell is being engineered with Sustainability in mind. The facility will be fully capable of running engines using SAF in addition to standard Jet A-1 fuel. This future-proofing ensures that the infrastructure remains relevant as airlines increasingly adopt greener fuel alternatives to meet regulatory and corporate environmental targets.
“Our target and vision is to not have a single engine part leave Cyprus… As our capacity is higher, our target in the next two years is to reach 36-48 engines [inducted per year].”, John Savvides, CEO of UAMCO.
Addressing the Global Capacity Crunch
The strategic significance of this project extends beyond the borders of Cyprus. The global fleet of narrowbody aircraft relies heavily on the LEAP engine platform. However, durability issues in sandy and hot operating environments have accelerated the need for shop visits, creating a backlog that major MRO providers are struggling to clear. By adding 250 annual test slots to the global network, this facility helps alleviate the pressure on airlines, particularly those based in the Middle East and Europe.
Currently, UAMCO holds EASA Part-145 approval for “quick-turn” services, which include on-wing support and module replacements. While these services are essential for minor repairs, they do not cover the deep overhaul work required for aging engines. The construction of this test cell is the technological bridge that will allow the company to transition into full performance restoration. This evolution is critical for keeping high-value maintenance work within the region rather than outsourcing it to distant facilities.
It is also important to distinguish the corporate identity of the entities involved in this expansion. United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd is a Cyprus-based independent provider founded recently to serve this specific market niche. We note that while UAMCO has commercial relationships with carriers in the region, such as servicing engines for the Saudi carrier Flynas, it is a distinct legal entity from United Aircraft Maintenance (UAM), which is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Concluding Perspectives
The agreement between UAMCO and Safran Test Cells signals a maturation of the aviation infrastructure in Cyprus. By securing the capability to test and certify the world’s most popular narrowbody engines, UAMCO is moving to secure a long-term position in the global aerospace supply chain. The capital investment, estimated in the context of a broader €100 million facility expansion, underscores the confidence in the continued demand for LEAP engine maintenance.
Looking ahead to 2027, the successful commissioning of this facility will likely reduce grounding times for partner airlines and provide a necessary pressure release valve for the MRO industry. As the fleet of A320neo and 737 MAX aircraft continues to grow, the availability of independent, high-capacity maintenance hubs will remain a decisive factor in airline operational efficiency.
FAQ
Question: What is the primary purpose of the new UAMCO facility?
Answer: The new facility is an engine test cell designed to test and certify CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines after maintenance or overhaul.
Question: When will the test cell be operational?
Answer: Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026, with full operational commissioning targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
Question: How many engines can the facility test annually?
Answer: The facility is designed with a capacity to perform approximately 250 engine tests per year.
Question: Is UAMCO the same company as UAM in Saudi Arabia?
Answer: No. United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd is based in Larnaca, Cyprus. It is a separate entity from United Aircraft Maintenance (UAM), which is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sources
Photo Credit: UAMCO
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens $140M LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Mexico
Safran Aircraft Engines inaugurated a $140M LEAP engine maintenance facility in Querétaro, targeting 350 shop visits annually by 2030.
Safran Aircraft Engines officially opened a $140 million maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on July 1, 2026, expanding its capacity to service the rapidly growing global fleet of CFM LEAP engines. The new shop adds significant infrastructure to the manufacturers footprint in the Americas, targeting the high-volume narrowbody market.
The facility is part of a broader €1 billion global investment strategy by the company to scale its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The CFM LEAP engine powers next-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are seeing increased shop visit demand as early-delivery airframes mature.
Scaling LEAP engine maintenance in the Americas
The comprehensive MRO hub in Querétaro spans a total footprint of 50,000 square meters. Safran projects that by 2030, the two maintenance facilities located at the site will be capable of handling 350 LEAP engine shop visits annually. The site also features a new test cell designed to perform 350 engine tests per year by the end of the decade.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the inauguration strengthens the Querétaro hub’s role at the center of the company’s maintenance ecosystem in the Americas.
Workforce growth and training initiatives
The new engine shop will employ 450 people when operating at full capacity. This expansion adds to the existing workforce across the four Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas facilities in Querétaro, which currently stands at 1,450 employees. Safran projects the total headcount for its Querétaro operations will reach 2,000 by 2030.
To support this rapid workforce expansion, the company established an onsite training center in partnership with local educational institutions. The center is designed to train 300 inspectors and technicians annually, creating a direct pipeline of qualified personnel for the MRO hub.
“With continued investment in Mexico and around the world we will address the growing global demand for LEAP engine maintenance while continuing to deliver world class support to our customers in the region,” Cueille said.
Global MRO network expansion
The Querétaro engine shop inauguration aligns with Safran Aircraft Engines’ €1 billion global investment plan. To support the expanding CFM LEAP engine fleet, the company recently opened similar maintenance facilities in India, Morocco, and Belgium.
The broader Safran Group is also increasing its footprint in Mexico across other divisions. On June 10, 2026, Safran Landing Systems announced an expansion of its global MRO capabilities, which included its separate Querétaro site, to support landing gear maintenance for Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
The aggressive expansion of Safran’s MRO network underscores the industry-wide pressure to keep next-generation narrowbody fleets operational. As the CFM LEAP engine matures and the installed base on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grows, shop visit demand is accelerating. We view the $140 million investment in Querétaro as a strategic move to localize heavy maintenance near major North and South American operators, reducing turnaround times and logistical bottlenecks. The concurrent focus on local workforce training highlights a critical challenge in the MRO sector: securing the qualified technicians required to meet projected maintenance volumes over the next decade.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Aircraft Opens MRO Center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport
Daher Aircraft inaugurated a 6,000 sq-meter MRO facility at Jonzac-Neulles Airport on July 3, 2026, replacing its former Merpins site.
Daher Aircraft officially opened a 6,000-square-meter maintenance, overhaul, and logistics center at Jonzac-Neulles Airport (LFCJ) on July 3, 2026, consolidating its regional support operations and gaining direct runway access for on-aircraft services.
The purpose-built facility in France’s Charente-Maritime Department replaces the manufacturer’s previous site in Merpins, located 25 kilometers to the north. According to a press release issued by the company, the relocation ensures continuity for existing service contracts while providing the physical capacity to expand its support network for a diverse fleet of civil and military aircraft.
Expanded capabilities and runway access
The transition to Jonzac-Neulles Airport provides Daher Aircraft with direct access to a 1,370-meter runway. This infrastructure addition allows the company to perform on-aircraft maintenance and technical support that was not feasible at the landlocked Merpins location.
The center offers a broad portfolio of services, operating both under direct contract and as a supplier. Supported aircraft range from Airbus helicopters operated by the French Gendarmerie to training airplanes manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft and Grob Aircraft.
The facility houses specialized workshops for composite airframe repair, painting, welding, landing gear hydraulics, battery overhaul, and Level 2 non-destructive testing.
Legacy fleet support and regional investment
A primary function of the new hub is maintaining the global fleet of approximately 3,000 legacy general aviation and training aircraft produced by SOCATA, Daher Aircraft’s predecessor. The center will provide spare parts supply, repair services, and replacement part manufacturing for the SOCATA TB and Rallye aircraft families under the company’s Part 21J Design Organization Approval.
Local government authorities, specifically the Communauté des Communes de Haute Saintonge, spearheaded the construction of the facility. The project was initiated under former president Claude Belot and inaugurated with current president and Jonzac mayor Christophe Cabri in attendance.
“This inauguration marks another important step in Daher Aircraft’s commitment to further strengthening our global support network and the comprehensive services it provides,”
said Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. He credited the local government’s support as instrumental in completing the project.
The operation currently employs 32 personnel who transferred from the former Merpins site. Daher Aircraft projects the workforce will increase to approximately 40 employees by the end of 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The relocation to Jonzac-Neulles Airport represents a logical infrastructure upgrade for Daher Aircraft. By securing direct runway access, the company eliminates the logistical friction of transporting aircraft components over land for overhaul and opens the door to fly-in maintenance services. We view this as a strategic consolidation that protects Daher’s lucrative legacy support business while positioning the facility to capture third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for other general aviation manufacturers.
Sources: Daher Aircraft
Photo Credit: Daher Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Wins $249M Army Contract for CH-47 Chinook Engine MRO
Honeywell Aerospace secures a $249M U.S. Army contract to overhaul T55-GA-714A engines for the CH-47 Chinook fleet through May 2029.
Honeywell Aerospace has secured a $249 million contract from the U.S. Army to provide repair and overhaul services for the T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines powering the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet.
The three-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement, announced in a June 2026 press release, ensures a continuous supply of serviceable powerplants for the military through May 2029. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal officially awarded the Contracts on May 21, 2026.
Commercial processes drive military maintenance efficiency
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work will take place at Honeywell’s aerospace headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is applying commercial aviation maintenance methodologies to its military engine overhaul program to increase throughput and reduce turnaround times.
Brian Laughton, Senior Director and Site Leader of the Phoenix repair facility, stated that the T55 line utilizes the same processes applied to the company’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified lines for business jet turbofan engines.
Capitalizing on these proven commercial processes has enabled us to double our capacity in the facility and reduce cycle time to ensure we are meeting delivery commitments to our customers.
Legacy and evolution of the T55 engine program
The T55 engine originally entered service in 1961. Over the past six decades, Honeywell has manufactured more than 6,000 T55 engines, accumulating approximately 12 million flight hours across the CH-47 and MH-47 variants.
The powerplant has undergone significant upgrades since its introduction. The current T55-GA-714A variant produces approximately 5,000 shaft horsepower, representing a threefold increase in output compared to the original 1960s design. The engine currently supports the U.S. Army and more than 15 international military operators.
Dave Marinick, President of Engines & Power Systems at Honeywell Aerospace, noted the company’s long-term commitment to the platform, stating that Honeywell looks forward to continuing its support for the engine program for decades to come.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that cross-pollinating commercial FAA-certified maintenance practices into military depot-level work is becoming a critical strategy for aerospace Manufacturers. By doubling facility capacity without necessarily expanding the physical footprint, Honeywell is addressing the persistent supply chain and turnaround time bottlenecks that have challenged military readiness in recent years. The $249 million valuation for a three-year period highlights the intense operational tempo and heavy utilization of the global Chinook fleet.
Sources: Honeywell Aerospace
Photo Credit: Boeing
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