Safran Aircraft Engines invests $80 million in new Querétaro facilities, expanding CFM LEAP engine production and creating 650 jobs.
Safran Aircraft Engines announced the construction of a new maintenance shop in Querétaro. Additionally, they will extend their production plant, both dedicated to the CFM LEAP engine. This announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow. Governor of Querétaro Mauricio Kuri, Safran CEO Olivier Andriès, and Safran Aircraft Engines CEO Jean-Paul Alary attended the event.
Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, said, “With the implementation of these two plants, Mexico will position itself among the few countries capable of covering the entire engine lifecycle from manufacturing of parts, module and engine assembly, maintenance and repair, to testing. Since we opened our first plant in Querétaro, we have developed here an operational excellence in production and maintenance that contributes to providing our customers with the best standards in terms of quality.”
Safran Aircraft Engines is investing $80 million in its second MRO shop, scheduled to begin operations by 2026. This 14,000 square meter plant will enhance the LEAP MRO global network’s capacity. It aims to support the ramp-up of service activities. Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas will increase its annual capacity by 150 engines. Consequently, the total capacity will reach 350 engines by 2030, creating nearly 500 direct jobs. Henceforth, The facility will be adjacent to the new test bench currently under construction. Additionally, the new shop is designed to meet the best environmental standards, aligning with Safran’s low carbon strategy.
Mauricio Kuri, The Governor of Querétaro, said, “I am proud of the mutual commitment between the state of Querétaro and Safran Aircraft Engines to further invest in the state, which has resulted in the creation of 650 jobs and strengthens Querétaro’s position as a global hub for the aerospace industry. This reflects Safran’s confidence in our region and our ability to support innovation and excellence.”
Additionally, Safran Aircraft Engines will expand its Safran Aircraft Engines Mexico (SAEM) plant for new LEAP fan and turbine modules. The extension will also include final assembly lines to support the production ramp-up of the new generation CFM engine. This expansion will create 150 jobs. The LEAP engine is a commercial success, with over 7,500 units in operation and over 50 million flight hours logged. Furthermore, the order backlog exceeds 10,600 units.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Querétaro through these two major projects, which reflect Safran’s commitment to long-term development in Mexico. As a global company, we will keep investing in countries where we benefit from a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem including skills, training, academic partnerships and low-carbon infrastructures. We have found these assets in Querétaro, paving the way to more industrial successes in the future.”
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Safran has operated in Mexico for over 30 years, now with 18 facilities and nearly 14,000 employees. Furthermore, The Group is the leading employer in Mexico’s aerospace industry. In Querétaro, over 3,300 employees work for Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Landing Systems.
Q. – What is the investment amount for the new MRO shop?
A. – $80 million.
Q. – When will the new MRO shop begin operations?
Q. – By 2026.
