IAI Enhances LEAP Engine Maintenance

IAI - Aviation Group, BEDEK MRO is offering maintenance services for CFM International’s Leading-Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines, enhancing its commercial engine MRO capabilities. The services encompass the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX—two of the most widely operated narrow-body aircraft worldwide.

IAI’s addition of LEAP maintenance reflects a broader shift in the aviation industry toward newer, more fuel-efficient engines. IAI views this activity as strategically important, as operators worldwide are dealing with prolonged turnaround times for engine maintenance due to industry-wide capacity and supply chain bottlenecks. IAI’s capabilities will help ease this pressure by offering shorter turnaround maintenance options for LEAP engine.

Following audits and certification by the FAA and EASA, IAI is authorized to perform maintenance on both LEAP variants. In preparation, the company expanded its infrastructure, invested in dedicated tooling, and trained specialized teams in cooperation with Safran, the engine’s manufacturer. The initial service offering includes Quick Turn (QT) operations - workscopes that allow engines to return to service much faster than more extensive shop visits.

QT maintenance has become a challenge in the LEAP support network, often acting as a bottleneck in global engine availability. IAI’s capability in this area is expected to facilitate faster induction times and increased engine availability for operators facing tight flight schedules and rising demand.

IAI also collaborates with Safran to enhance its involvement in LEAP engine support. The aim is to establish full overhaul capability, including test cell operations, within the next year. The company intends to expand into GTF engine services as those fleets mature.

With this step, IAI aims to give airlines another option for maintaining the latest generation of engines - supported by decades of technical experience and a growing global support network.

Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive VP and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Group: "IAI Aviation Group’s BEDEK MRO draws on more than 70 years of maintenance, repair and overhaul experience in supporting the aviation industry’s evolving requirements. Our teams service a wide variety of engines, including the V2500 and PW4000, the full CFM56 family (series -3, -5, and -7) and are now adding the latest LEAP models, ensuring reliable support across multiple platforms".

For further information, please contact IAI's global MRO experts at [email protected]