In fall 2023, Safran Nacelles, an aircraft engine nacelles and services provider and Safran (Paris, France) company, signed two agreements to deliver support for nacelles on Airbus aircraft, powered by CFM International (Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.) LEAP-1A turbofan engines. LEAP-1A engine fan blades are made from an RTM’d 3D woven composite material and its low-pressure turbine rings and blades are made of ceramic matrix composites (CMC). 

One agreement is with Saudia (Dubia, United Arab Emirates), the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the comprehensive support of nacelles for Saudia’s 35 Airbus aircraft from the A320neo family.

Under this collaboration, Saudia will have access to Safran Nacelles’ shared pool of nacelles end items at any time, ensuring the availability of critical components whenever needed. Furthermore, Saudia will benefit from Safran Nacelles’ OEM maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions at the AMES repair station in Dubai. The partnership feeds into Saudia’s transformation objectives, focusing on excellence in operational efficiency through the development and management of the network and fleet, as well as the integration of maintenance systems.

Safran Nacelles also signed a 5-year agreement with Tarmac Aerosave (Tarbes, France) to deliver support for nacelles on aircraft undergoing maintenance on Tarmc Aerosave sites in France (Toulouse and Tarbes) and Spain (Teruel). The company offers innovative solutions in aircraft and engine storage, transition, maintenance and recycling.

Safran will support Tarmac Aerosave’s maintenance services to aircraft operators and airframers on Airbus A380, A330ceo, A330neo and A320neo. The company will have access to spare parts and large nacelle components (air inlet, fan cowls, thrust reversers and exhaust systems). The company will also receive engineering services for repair solutions alongside MRO services on the Safran Nacelles site in Pont Audemer, France, or directly on wing at Tarmac Aerosave locations.

For its part, Tarmac Aerosave brings its expertise in the end-of-life management of aircraft parts. This close cooperation with Safran Nacelles will enable easier identification and optimized recycling of materials, thereby contributing to the eco-design process of future nacelles.

Safran Nacelles’ repair services and spares resources are a part of the company’s NacelleLife support program, designed to provide responsive, cost-effective and high-quality services.