CFM LEAP-1A deliveries back on track as -1B falls further behind

CFM International LEAP-1A engine deliveries for Airbus A320neos are now on time after being delayed, but production of LEAP-1Bs for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has fallen further behind. The GE-Safran Aircraft Engines JV has stabilised LEAP-1A production, recovering from a delay 3 months ago, and is delivering “16 or 17” turbofans a week for the A320neo, Safran group CE Philippe Petitcolin said. There is now a 3-week delay, however, in LEAP-1B production, Petitcolon acknowledged. The continued acceleration of the 737 MAX production rate makes it a moving target for the engine manufacturer. GE and Safran are aiming to deliver 30 LEAP-1Bs weekly by June, up from 20 earlier this year. “We target the Q2 for being back on time in deliveries to Boeing,” Petitcolin said. <br/>