MRO & Manufacturing
UAMCO Gains FAA Certification to Expand LEAP Engine MRO Services
UAMCO receives FAA Air Agency Certificate, enabling expanded MRO services for US-registered aircraft and supporting the CFM LEAP engine network.
This article is based on an official press release from United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd.
United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd has officially received its Air Agency Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a pivotal step in the company’s expansion into the United States aviation market. The certification, designated as Repair Station Certificate U1MY686E, authorizes the Cyprus-based maintenance provider to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services on U.S.-registered aircraft and components.
According to the company’s announcement on March 6, 2026, this approval confirms that UAMCO meets the FAA’s rigorous regulatory, safety, and quality standards. The certification is expected to significantly widen the facility’s customer base, allowing it to service U.S. operators and lessors in addition to its existing European (EASA) jurisdiction.
The move comes at a critical time for the global aviation supply chain, which is currently navigating a capacity crunch for engine maintenance. By securing FAA approval, UAMCO solidifies its role within the CFM International LEAP MRO network, providing essential capacity for the engines that power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families.
The FAA certification serves as a regulatory bridge, enabling UAMCO to support its partners on a global scale. In November 2024, the company signed a significant “offload agreement” with GE Aerospace, designating UAMCO to handle “quick-turn” workscopes for LEAP engines. This capability is designed to reduce turnaround times for airlines and help alleviate bottlenecks in the global maintenance network.
UAMCO’s CEO, John Savvides, emphasized the strategic importance of this regulatory milestone in the company’s official statement:
“Achieving FAA approval represents a significant milestone in UAMCO’s growth and international development. It strengthens our ability to support the CFM International (CFM) LEAP MRO network and our valued partner, GE Aerospace worldwide with maintenance services performed under globally recognized regulatory oversight.”
The company’s facility in Larnaca, Cyprus, which was officially inaugurated in January 2025, is now positioned to serve as a dual-certified hub (EASA and FAA) for narrowbody engine maintenance. This dual capability is essential for MRO providers aiming to capture traffic from major international lessors who often require FAA release certificates regardless of where the aircraft is currently operating.
The timing of this certification aligns with broader industry forecasts regarding maintenance demand. Market analysis has long predicted that 2026 would see a peak in engine MRO requirements as new-generation fleets mature and deferred maintenance from the post-pandemic era comes due. The CFM LEAP engine family, having experienced one of the fastest ramp-ups in commercial aviation history, is a primary driver of this demand. UAMCO’s focus on “quick-turn” repairs, targeted interventions such as seal replacements or sensor upgrades, allows operators to address specific technical issues without inducting engines for full, months-long overhauls. By adding FAA-approved capacity for these services, UAMCO helps keep aircraft in service and minimizes grounding times for U.S. and international carriers.
Savvides credited the achievement to the company’s workforce, stating in the press release:
“This accomplishment reflects the dedication, professionalism, and technical excellence of our entire team.”
The certification of UAMCO is more than a procedural victory for a single MRO shop; it represents a necessary release valve for the pressurized LEAP engine market. With the major engine OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) facing immense pressure to deliver new engines while simultaneously supporting the aftermarket, third-party and partner shops like UAMCO are becoming critical infrastructure.
Cyprus’s geographic location offers a strategic advantage, bridging Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. However, without FAA certification, the facility was effectively locked out of the massive U.S. leasing and operator market. This approval removes that barrier, likely ensuring a steady stream of induction slots for the Larnaca facility throughout the remainder of 2026. We expect this to facilitate deeper integration with GE Aerospace’s overflow requirements, as the OEM seeks to offload quick-turn work to trusted partners to free up its own shops for heavy overhaul work.
UAMCO Secures FAA Certification, Strengthening Global LEAP MRO Network
Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact
Addressing the 2026 MRO Demand Surge
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: UAMCO