CFM International and International Airlines Group (IAG) have signed an agreement granting a CFM Premier MRO licence for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, strengthening support for one of the industry’s fastest-growing engine families. The deal positions Iberia’s long-established engine maintenance facility at La Muñoza, near Madrid-Barajas Airport, as a key European hub within CFM’s global LEAP maintenance, repair and overhaul network.
With more than 50 years of experience in engine maintenance, Iberia’s facility will see its capabilities progressively expanded to support LEAP operators worldwide, including fleets within the IAG group. Initial LEAP engine inductions are scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, marking the start of a phased ramp-up in activity as demand for LEAP-related services continues to grow.
The agreement reflects both strategic positioning and long-term investment planning. For IAG and Iberia, becoming a Premier MRO provider opens up a significant growth avenue in the highly competitive single-aisle engine maintenance market, where demand is expected to increase sharply over the coming years. The move also aligns with Iberia’s broader transformation strategy, aimed at improving profitability, operational resilience and cost efficiency amid ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
From CFM’s perspective, the addition of IAG to its MRO ecosystem reinforces a long-standing partnership and supports its commitment to maintaining an open, global support network. As the installed base of LEAP engines expands—now powering more than 4,600 aircraft across the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families—maintenance demand is forecast to rise significantly by the end of the decade. Expanding the MRO network with experienced partners such as Iberia is therefore critical to ensuring sufficient capacity and maintaining high service standards.
Overall, the agreement enhances global LEAP support infrastructure while positioning Iberia as a central player in the European MRO landscape, capable of supporting both internal and third-party operators as the LEAP fleet continues its rapid growth trajectory.
