Safran expands LEAP engine production capacity in Querétaro

In late November 2024, Safran Aircraft Engines (Paris, France) inaugurated a new assembly line as part of the extension of Safran’s Mexico plant in Querétaro. These new capacities will be dedicated to engines’ fan and turbine final assembly to support the CFM LEAP production ramp-up. It is in line with the investments Safran is making to build up its LEAP engine MRO network.

Safran Aircraft Engines Mexico (SAEM) spans 26,000 square meters of operational space and employs 650 people. The expansion includes an additional 4,300 square meters of operational buildings and 8,500 square meters of logistics warehouses. 

“This plant symbolizes our commitment to excellence and our mission to push the boundaries of talent and aerospace technology in Mexico,” says Philippe Errera, Safran Group’s director of international and institutional relations.

With this expansion, Safran advances the integration of its industrial and logistical activities in Querétaro within North America. This milestone positions SAEM and Querétaro as the first final assembly site for single-aisle commercial aircraft engines in Mexico, the company contends, joining the group’s existing facilities in France and the U.S.

“With this plant, Mexico will position itself among the few countries capable of covering the entire engine lifecycle — from manufacturing parts and modules to final assembly, repair, maintenance and engine testing,” says Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. “Since opening our plant in Querétaro, we have developed operational excellence in production and maintenance here, contributing to providing our customers with the highest standards of quality.”

The LEAP engine has been a major commercial success, with more than 8,500 units already in operation, accumulating more than 60 million flight hours, and an order backlog exceeding 11,600 units.

Safran has operated in Mexico for more than 34 years, now boasting 18 facilities and more than 14,000 employees in the country. The group is present in four regions of Mexico (Chihuahua, Querétaro, Baja California and Mexico City), currently ranking as the number one employer in Mexico’s aerospace industry. In Querétaro, more than 3,500 employees currently work for Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Landing Systems.