GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) has signed an agreement with CFM International to provide MRO support for LEAP-1A/-1B engines.

Under the agreement, GATES will have the rights and licenses to obtain airworthiness authority certification for MRO services on the LEAP-1A, which powers the A320neo family, and LEAP-1B, the exclusive powerplant for the 737 MAX.

GATES has a longstanding relationship with CFM as a licensed overhaul shop for CFM56-5B/-7B engines. The latest agreement builds on that partnership, expanding the suite of MRO offerings to LEAP engines.

GATES said it would commence preparations for implementing the LEAP programme at its facility in Helsinki, Finland, including reviewing technical documents, employee training and obtaining necessary aviation authority approvals.

“We are always building on our MRO capabilities and strengthening partnerships with OEMs to serve our customers, and their evolving maintenance needs intelligently,” said GA Telesis’ Engine Strategy Group president Russ Shelton. “The next-generation LEAP engine is a natural evolution for GATES as an established narrowbody engine shop in Europe with expertise with the CFM56 engine family.”

CFM International’s president and CEO Gaël Méheust commented: “It is a real pleasure to expand our relationship with GATES to include both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. From our experience with them supporting the CFM56 product line, we expect them to bring their proven expertise in MRO to support LEAP customer operations.”