Ryanair and CFM International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a comprehensive, long-term material services agreement, extending a partnership that has spanned over 25 years. The deal will support the airline’s massive fleet of approximately 2,000 CFM56 and LEAP engines, which power its all-Boeing 737 aircraft.
The agreement, announced by Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary alongside Safran CEO Olivier Andriès and GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO Lawrence Culp, Jr., centers on a strategic shift in Ryanair’s maintenance approach. While CFM has historically maintained Ryanair’s engines under a traditional “power by the hour” contract, the airline plans to bring these operations in-house beginning in 2029. Ryanair intends to establish two new engine MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) shops in Europe, and CFM will serve as a key partner by providing spare parts and component repair services for these facilities.
Under the terms of the MoU, CFM will continue to support both engine types until the new Ryanair MRO facilities are fully operational. Once the transition is complete, the contract is expected to be worth over $1 billion annually to CFM, covering the supply of spare engines and parts for what will become one of the world’s largest in-house commercial engine maintenance operations.
Michael O’Leary emphasized the significance of the evolving relationship. “For the last 30 years, CFM has maintained all of our CFM56 engines, and this new agreement allows us to build on that foundation,” he said. “From 2029, we will bring this maintenance in-house with the help and support of CFM. This new spare parts agreement extends our 30-year partnership, and we look forward to working closely with CFM to support one of the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 737 engines.”
Olivier Andriès of Safran highlighted the value of the long-term relationship, stating that CFM is proud to support Ryanair’s continued growth. Lawrence Culp, Jr. of GE Aerospace added that the MoU demonstrates a commitment to an “open MRO ecosystem” that helps customers increase capacity and reduce costs.
Ryanair currently operates Europe’s largest fleet of CFM-powered aircraft, with over 400 Boeing 737NGs powered by CFM56 engines and more than 200 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines. With additional orders for the larger 737 MAX 10, the airline’s fleet is poised for significant growth, making the security of its supply chain and maintenance capabilities a top priority.
