FIA 2026: LEAP spare engine demand drives AFI KLM E&M and AerCap JV
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and AerCap have signed an agreement to establish a 50/50 joint venture that will lease CFM LEAP spare engines, aiming to address growing demand for replacement engine capacity as LEAP-powered fleets continue to expand.
Announced at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Paris Air Show in 2025 and remains subject to regulatory approval.
The joint venture will initially acquire around 40 new CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B spare engines, providing leasing support to AFI KLM E&M customers operating LEAP-powered aircraft worldwide.
Deliveries are scheduled through to 2032, with the first four engines expected to enter service with AFI KLM E&M customers in early 2027, subject to the necessary approvals.
Anne Brachet, executive vice president of AFI KLM E&M, said: “The signing of this agreement to establish a joint venture with AerCap marks a significant strategic step in addressing the evolving needs of the LEAP engine market.
“This joint venture will bring together complementary expertise to strengthen support for LEAP operators worldwide. Combining AerCap’s expertise in engine leasing together with AFI KLM E&M’s extensive MRO knowledge and capabilities is the basis for a long-term partnership that will support our customers in securing critical access to spare engine capacity as we see demand for LEAP-powered aircraft continue to grow.”
Tom Slattery, executive vice president of AerCap Engines, added: “Together, we will provide reliable and flexible engine support solutions to AFI KLM E&M customers operating LEAP-powered aircraft worldwide, ensuring they have access to critical spare capacity as LEAP-powered fleets continue to expand.”