The LOI to build LEAP engine MRO capacity will enable SSAMC to provide better service for domestic and foreign customers and become a globally competitive aero-engine maintenance base.
1 October 2021: Air China and CFM International recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen the LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability of Sichuan Services Aero-engine Maintenance, a joint venture between the two parties.
Ni Jiliang, chief engineer of Air China said, “We are delighted to be able to further our long-term relationship with CFM. High reliability and utilization rate of engines is key to the recovery of airlines in the post-epidemic era, The LOI to build LEAP engine MRO capacity will enable SSAMC to provide better service for domestic and foreign customers and become a globally competitive aero-engine maintenance base.”
Weiming Xiang, president of CFM International Greater China said, “Air China is both a strategically important customer and partner. We are deeply honoured to be continuously recognized by Air China. China was important to the recovery of the global narrow-body market during the pandemic. Promoting SSAMC’s LEAP engine MRO capacity is of great significance for ensuring the stable growing of LEAP engine fleet.“
The first LEAP-1A engines were delivered to Chinese customers in June 2018. At present, there are 20 airlines in Greater China operating A320neo aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines and this fleet has surpassed two million engine flight hours to date.
SSAMC, formally established in 2010, is a joint venture between Air China and CFM, with 60 per cent and 40 per cent investment respectively. It is also the first Sino-foreign joint venture dedicated to the MRO of CFM56 and LEAP series engines in China. To date, SSAMC has completed the overhaul of more than 1,000 engines and the on-wing support service of more than 1,500 engines for customers all over the world.