Safran confirms LEAP engine production progress

Safran, a major aerospace company, states it is confident it can meet the demand for LEAP engines from Airbus and Boeing while continuing to invest in its industrial operations. The company delivered 1,565 LEAP engines in the first nine months of 2026, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2025, showing an improvement in its supply chain.

Safran’s CEO addresses production challenges

Olivier Andriès, Safran’s chief executive, said that CFM International, the joint venture between Safran and GE Aerospace, is delivering LEAP engines for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX on time. This follows years of industrial challenges, and the company is now more confident in its ability to meet its commitments for 2026, even though the broader economic environment remains uncertain.

Third-quarter delivery growth

In the third quarter of 2026, CFM delivered 535 LEAP engines, a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 5% increase from the second quarter. This growth contributed to the 26% year-to-date increase in deliveries, though Safran maintains that the annual delivery growth projection remains in the upper range of 10%.

Delivery figures include spare engines

The delivery figures include spare engines, not just those intended for new aircraft. Safran says the proportion of spare engines is returning to normal levels, as it was higher in the first half of the year due to supply chain disruptions.

Safran prepares for future production demands

Looking ahead, Safran is working to ensure its industrial infrastructure can support a monthly production rate of 75 LEAP engines for Airbus and 63 for Boeing’s 737 MAX. This aligns with the needs of its major clients and reflects the company’s long-term planning for the LEAP program.

Supply chain vulnerabilities remain

Despite the improvements, Safran acknowledges that certain parts of its supply chain are still under scrutiny. Olivier Andriès highlighted concerns about foundries, forges, and the availability of materials such as rare earths, which could affect production if not properly managed.

Service revenue grows alongside engine production

Safran also reported a 19% increase in service revenue in the third quarter, driven largely by LEAP service contracts based on flight hours. This indicates that the company is not only focusing on delivering new engines but also on maintaining and supporting the existing fleet of aircraft powered by LEAP engines.