SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a joint venture agreement to establish a dedicated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for CFM LEAP engines in Singapore. The new venture will support LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines and strengthen maintenance capabilities for one of the aviation industry’s fastest-growing engine platforms.
The agreement represents a major milestone in the collaboration between the two companies following the Letter of Intent signed in November 2025 to expand LEAP engine support services in Singapore. Under the terms of the partnership, Safran Aircraft Engines will hold a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, while SIAEC will own the remaining 49 percent. The venture will combine Safran’s original equipment manufacturer expertise with SIAEC’s extensive experience in aircraft maintenance and engineering services.
SIAEC currently performs LEAP engine Quick Turn maintenance operations for Safran Aircraft Engines at its Aircraft Engine Services facility in Changi North. These activities will be integrated into the new joint venture and will serve as the foundation for a next-generation MRO facility capable of handling a broader range of engine services.
The new facility will significantly enhance engine shop visit capacity while supporting the increasing maintenance requirements of airlines operating LEAP-powered aircraft. It will provide comprehensive maintenance solutions designed to improve turnaround times, operational reliability and fleet availability.
The investment comes at a time when the global LEAP engine fleet continues to expand rapidly, driven by growing demand for fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to remain a key growth market for commercial aviation, creating strong demand for advanced engine support infrastructure.
Wong Yue Jeen of SIAEC said the partnership builds on years of successful collaboration between the two organisations. He noted that the joint venture combines original equipment expertise and maintenance excellence, enhancing support for airline customers while expanding SIAEC’s capabilities in servicing new-generation aircraft engines.
Nicolas Potier, Executive Vice President Support & Services at Safran Aircraft Engines, said the new company represents an important step in strengthening the global MRO network for LEAP engines. He added that the facility will help meet rising maintenance demand across Asia-Pacific while delivering reliable support and operational efficiency for airline operators.
Safran is a global high-technology group serving the aviation, defense and space sectors. The company develops advanced solutions across aircraft propulsion, equipment and cabin interiors, with a mission to contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more accessible world. Through continuous innovation, Safran is helping make air transport more environmentally responsible, comfortable and efficient.
With operations spanning multiple continents, Safran employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and reported revenue of €31.3 billion in 2025. The Group holds leading positions in several of its core markets, either independently or through strategic partnerships. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is a constituent of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Aircraft Engines, a key subsidiary of the Group, specializes in the design, development, production and support of commercial and military aircraft engines. Renowned for performance, reliability and environmental efficiency, the company supplies propulsion systems for some of the world’s most widely used aircraft platforms. Through CFM International, its 50:50 joint venture with GE Aerospace, Safran Aircraft Engines is the leading provider of engines for single-aisle commercial aircraft worldwide.
SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading providers of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The company serves more than 80 international airlines and aerospace manufacturers, delivering line maintenance services across over 30 airports in nine countries. Its capabilities span airframe, engine and component maintenance for many of the most advanced and widely operated commercial aircraft in service today.
SIAEC’s network includes 25 subsidiaries and joint ventures established in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers and strategic partners across Singapore, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States and Vietnam. This extensive presence enhances the company’s technical expertise and broadens its service portfolio across the aviation value chain.
The company also holds certifications and approvals from 27 national aviation regulatory authorities, enabling it to provide MRO services for aircraft registered in the United States, Europe, China and several other global markets. Through its comprehensive capabilities, strong partnerships and commitment to quality, SIAEC continues to play a vital role in supporting the reliability and safety of the global aviation industry.
