ST Engineering is launching quick-turn maintenance services for CFM International’s Leap-1B engines that power Boeing’s 737 Max family of narrowbody airliners. Following an announcement at the Singapore Airshow on Wednesday, the Singapore-based MRO provider’s commercial aerospace unit aims to start the new operation by the end of 2023.
The agreement with CFM, which is a joint venture between Safran and GE Aviation, builds on a long-standing relationship with ST Engineering, which already is a licensed service center for the CFM56-5B and-7B engines. “The capability set-up for the Leap-1B engine, starting with quick-turn services, builds on that relationship and expands our MRO offerings to better support customers’ fleets using CFM engines,” said Jeffrey Lam, ST Engineering’s commercial aerospace president.
In another announcement on February 16, ST Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding with Safran Helicopter Engines to study the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the French company’s turboshafts. ST Engineering will conduct ground testing of Safran engines using SAF at its facilities and will also support helicopter operators in conducting test flights to evaluate the technical and economic performance of their aircraft using the reduced-carbon fuel.
All of Safran’s helicopter engines are already certified to operate on a 50 percent mix of SAF. The partners aim to achieve certification for running the turboshafts on 100 percent SAF, which they say would cut carbon emissions from flights by up to 80 percent.