Safran Nacelles and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have signed a license agreement for the MRO of the Airbus A320neo’s LEAP-1A nacelles.

More than 2,500 nacelles produced by Safran Nacelles are currently in service on Airbus A320neo aircraft that are powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines.

Through this agreement, Safran Nacelles said it was ensuring that A320neos would benefit from the “best standards in nacelle repair, guaranteed by the OEM”.

By acquiring a license from Safran Nacelles, AFI KLM E&M is expanding its industrial capabilities. The company will have access to the OEM tooling and rotable asset pool, in addition to its own resources and assets.

“We are delighted to welcome AFI KLM E&M in our licensed MRO network for A320neo’s LEAP-1A nacelles support,” said Safran Nacelles’ executive vice president – customer support & services Alain Berger. “We’re familiar with the quality and reliability of the support solutions offered by the AFI KLM E&M, which is, and shall remain, a valuable partner for Safran Nacelles in the after-sales market.”

AFI KLM E&M’s SVP strategy & business development Benjamin Moreau commented: “Following the signature of the CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA), the LEAP-1A nacelles license contributes to AFI KLM E&M’s strategy to develop a full capability on the LEAP engine based on its dual expertise of an airline-MRO. We are extremely proud to increase our range of services for next-generation nacelles based on our ability to design and deliver adapted and high-performance services. Via this license, we will be able to further strengthen our capabilities to the benefit of our customers around the world.”