This article is based on an official press release from AFI KLM E&M.

AFI KLM E&M Receives First LEAP-1B Spare Engine, Bolstering MRO Support Capabilities

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has officially taken delivery of its first LEAP-1B spare engine, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to support the global fleet of new-generation narrowbody aircraft. Announced on February 17, 2026, in Amsterdam, this delivery is the first tangible result of a purchase agreement signed with CFM International in January 2025.

The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to secure asset availability for airline customers. According to the company’s announcement, the new spare engine will be deployed to support operators of the Boeing 737 MAX, ensuring operational continuity during scheduled maintenance events or unexpected disruptions.

Strategic Expansion of the Spare Engine Pool

The delivery stems from a purchase agreement finalized on January 9, 2025, between AFI KLM E&M and CFM International. As detailed in the company’s statement, the deal covers the acquisition of up to 10 spare engines. This portfolio includes both the LEAP-1A, which powers the Airbus A320neo family, and the LEAP-1B, the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX family.

By owning a dedicated pool of spare engines, AFI KLM E&M aims to mitigate the impact of supply chain constraints that have affected the aviation industry. The availability of these assets allows the maintenance provider to offer immediate engine swaps, significantly reducing “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) time for its clients.

Executive Commentary

Jean-Louis Forest, Senior Vice President of Engines Product at AFI KLM E&M, highlighted the operational benefits of this investment in the official release:

“The arrival of our first spare LEAP-1B engine represents a strategic step forward for AFI KLM E&M and our airline partners. This investment not only strengthens our commitment to operational excellence but also ensures that we can deliver faster, more reliable support when our customers need it most.”

Jean-Louis Forest, SVP Engines Product, AFI KLM E&M

Enhancing the “LEAP Premier MRO” Network

This delivery reinforces AFI KLM E&M’s status within the CFM branded service network. The company has been aggressively ramping up its capabilities to handle the growing volume of LEAP engines entering heavy maintenance cycles. In October 2025, the MRO provider celebrated the induction of its 101st LEAP engine and announced targets to increase capacity to handle 300 LEAP shop visits annually.

The spare engine will support various maintenance interventions, including:

• Quick Turn (QT) Maintenance: Rapid repairs, such as turbine blade replacements, performed without full engine disassembly.
• Performance Restoration Shop Visits (PRSV): Comprehensive overhauls to restore engine efficiency and time-on-wing.

To support these activities, AFI KLM E&M has completed the industrialization of its test cells at both Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol airports. These facilities are now fully certified for full-thrust testing of both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B models.

Joint Venture Developments

In addition to direct purchases, the company is exploring other avenues to expand its asset pool. In June 2025, AFI KLM E&M entered negotiations with the lessor AerCap to establish a joint venture dedicated to LEAP engine leasing. This multi-pronged approach, combining direct ownership with strategic partnerships, is designed to provide a robust safety net for airline customers facing a volatile leasing market.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of this LEAP-1B spare engine is more than a routine logistical update; it addresses a critical bottleneck in the current aviation aftermarket. With global supply chains still recovering and new engine production rates under pressure, spare engines have become one of the most valuable assets in the industry.

For airlines, the difference between a profitable quarter and a loss can sometimes hinge on aircraft utilization rates. By securing its own inventory of spares, AFI KLM E&M reduces its dependence on the spot market, where lease rates have surged. This move signals a shift among top-tier MROs toward becoming “nose-to-tail” asset managers rather than just repair shops, offering airlines a guarantee of mobility that goes beyond fixing hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B?

The LEAP-1A is designed for the Airbus A320neo family, while the LEAP-1B is the exclusive engine for the Boeing 737 MAX family. While they share core technology, they differ in size and interface to fit their respective airframes.

Why is owning spare engines important for an MRO provider?

Owning spares allows an MRO to provide immediate replacements to airlines while their original engines are being repaired. This minimizes aircraft downtime and protects airlines from shortages in the external leasing market.

How many spare engines did AFI KLM E&M order?

The agreement signed in January 2025 covers the purchase of up to 10 spare engines, comprising a mix of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B models.

Sources

• AFI KLM E&M Press Release