SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a joint venture agreement to establish a full-service CFM LEAP engine MRO facility in Singapore, expanding support capacity for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engine programmes across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The agreement marks the next stage of cooperation between the two companies following the signing of a letter of intent in November 2025 aimed at strengthening LEAP engine maintenance capabilities in Singapore.

The new joint venture will build on existing LEAP quick-turn maintenance operations currently performed by SIAEC for Safran Aircraft Engines at its Aircraft Engine Services facility in Changi North. These activities will be integrated into the new company, providing the foundation for a larger engine MRO facility capable of handling a wider range of maintenance work and increasing shop visit capacity as the global LEAP fleet continues to expand.

Under the terms of the agreement, Safran Aircraft Engines will hold a 51% stake in the venture, while SIAEC will own the remaining 49%.

Wong Yue Jeen, chief commercial officer of SIAEC, said: “Building on our LEAP engine maintenance services agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines in 2019, the new LEAP MRO JV combines Safran Aircraft Engines’ OEM expertise and SIAEC’s MRO excellence, strengthening the LEAP maintenance network and enhancing SIAEC’s next-generation engine capability to meet global LEAP engine maintenance demand.”

Nicolas Potier, executive vice president support and services at Safran Aircraft Engines, said: “The creation of this joint company with SIA Engineering Company marks a significant step forward in strengthening our global MRO ecosystem to meet the accelerating demand for LEAP engine maintenance in Asia-Pacific.

“This new MRO facility brings together the expertise of both companies to provide world-class performance and reliable support, helping our airline customers optimise their operations.”

The partners have committed up to US$118 million in total investment for the venture, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. SIAEC’s contribution could reach US$57.8 million, including in-kind contributions, while Safran Aircraft Engines could contribute up to US$60.2 million.

The investment reflects growing demand for LEAP engine aftermarket support as airlines continue to expand fleets powered by the engine family, which is used on the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft families.