Safran Aircraft Engines intends to buy U.S.-based engine component repair provider Component Repair Technologies (CRT) as it looks to further efforts to grow its global MRO network and ramp up for Leap engine aftermarket demand growth.
The French engine OEM’s commercial engine subsidiary says the deal to buy CRT is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approval. In a statement released on Sep. 11, Safran says the move to acquire Mentor, Ohio-based CRT will strengthen its MRO capabilities in the Americas region.
CRT employs more than 450 people and specializes in large engine parts such as cases and rotating parts found on CFM International CFM56 and Leap engines as well as larger-sized turbofan engines including the General Electric GE90.
Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, says the contemplated acquisition reflects its plans to ramp up its global MRO network. “Our strategy includes major investments at all our current facilities, plus the construction of new facilities,” he adds. “With this ambitious ramp-up, Safran Aircraft Engines will proactively support the rapidly growing global fleet of LEAP-powered aircraft.”
Once acquired, Safran says CRT will perform repair activities related to shop visits provided by Safran Aircraft Engines to airlines through CFM Services aftermarket agreements, as well as for other OEMs and third-party companies in the MRO market.
The shop will join a network of five repair facilities operated by Safran Aircraft Engines. Existing locations include three France-based facilities in Châtellerault, France, the nearby Ceramic Coating Center operation and Airfoils Advanced Solutions near Lille in the north of the country. Outside of France, it operates U.S.-based PTI in Florida and Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas in Querétaro, Mexico.
In July, Safran announced it would expand its footprint in Querétaro by building a Leap maintenance facility. The manufacturer plans to invest about $80 million in constructing its second MRO shop in Mexico, which is scheduled to begin operations by 2026.
Once operational, Safran’s Americas business will increase its annual capacity by 150 engines and bring its total capacity to 350 engines inductions by 2030, with the creation of nearly 500 direct jobs.
To date, Safran says around 7,500 Leap engines are in-service with a further 10,600 units on order. A large aftermarket is anticipated over the next decade. According to Aviation Week's Fleet & MRO Forecast data, the Leap market encompassing the 1A, 1B and 1C models will be worth $33.5 billion over the decade.
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