FAA and EASA Certify CFM LEAP-1A HPT Blade for Durability Enhancement

CFM International

The FAA and EASA have certified CFM International’s upgraded high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade for the LEAP-1A engine, improving durability and extending time on wing in hot environments.

Durability Boost for LEAP-1A Engines

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have approved a critical hardware upgrade for the LEAP-1A engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. The newly certified high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade kit aims to increase engine durability, particularly in extreme operating environments like the Middle East, and enhance the engine's time on wing.

The certified kit includes:

• HPT stage-one blade
• Stage-one nozzle
• Forward inner nozzle support

These components are designed to withstand high operating temperatures, improving the engine’s overall performance and lifecycle.

Addressing Supply Chain Bottlenecks

The LEAP-1A engine powers Airbus A320neo aircraft, while the LEAP-1B variant exclusively powers Boeing’s 737 MAX. However, the supply chain for HPT blades has faced significant challenges, impacting engine deliveries in the first three quarters of 2024. During its third-quarter earnings call, Safran revealed that while certification of the new HPT blade was imminent, the delays had already constrained production.

With the certification complete, CFM International is prepared to ship the upgraded blades, focusing first on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market. This should alleviate pressure on airlines operating LEAP-1A engines, many of which are critical to global aviation fleets.

Certification for an updated HPT blade for the LEAP-1B variant is expected by the end of 2025, signaling further advancements in turbine blade technology for Boeing aircraft.

Advanced Materials for Extreme Performance

The high-pressure turbine blades are made from nickel-based superalloys that include chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt, which allow them to endure extreme temperatures and mechanical stress. These advanced materials are vital to enhancing the performance of modern aircraft engines, particularly in demanding conditions.

The certification underscores CFM International’s commitment to advancing engine technology and meeting the evolving needs of global aviation.