A new high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade for CFM Leap-1A engines is close to achieving regulatory certification, with plans to begin distribution to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities by year’s end, according to Safran CEO Olivier Andries. In a recent earnings call, Andries confirmed that certification is expected “within the next weeks,” which will allow for immediate shipment to overhaul shops, addressing critical maintenance needs for operators.
The updated Leap-1A turbine blade, designed to improve durability in harsh environments, marks a significant advancement in combating hot-section wear issues that have reduced time-on-wing durations, particularly in dusty and polluted regions. To support development, GE Aerospace created a dust-ingestion rig at its Evendale, Ohio, facility, simulating conditions that have contributed to premature wear, notably in high-dust environments like India.
Once approved, the new HPT blades will be integrated into the Leap-1A production line for Airbus A320neo-family aircraft and offered as retrofit options during overhauls, providing relief to operators managing unexpected engine downtime. While the Leap-1A blade updates are set to deploy soon, a similar enhancement for Leap-1B engines used on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is slated for certification by late 2025. Andries confirmed that the recent International Association of Machinists strike, which paused 737 MAX production, has not affected this timeline.
With certification in sight, Safran’s improved Leap-1A turbine blade is positioned to enhance operational reliability and meet the demands of high-usage, challenging environments.
IMAGE CREDIT: Airbus
