Independent engine aftermarket specialist StandardAero has secured a pivotal partnership with Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease. A new General Terms Agreement (GTA) positions StandardAero as a key maintenance provider for AviLease’s fleet of CFM International LEAP and CFM56-7B engines, supporting the lessor’s ambitious global growth trajectory.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), AviLease is rapidly scaling its presence as a top-tier global lessor. With a portfolio of 200 modern, fuel-efficient aircraft already placed with 53 airlines, the company requires a responsive and technologically advanced MRO partner. This agreement ensures that as AviLease expands its market share under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, its airline customers benefit from reliable, high-quality engine support.
StandardAero brings deep technical expertise to the table. As a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider, the company supports the next-generation LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines from its massive 810,000 sq. ft. San Antonio facility. Furthermore, its Winnipeg and DFW locations provide comprehensive support for the workhorse CFM56-7B, offering operators redundancy and convenience.
“We are excited to formalize our relationship with AviLease,” said Olivier Ruffet, VP Sales – EMEA at StandardAero. “This agreement allows our expert teams to deliver agile, high-quality support directly aligned with AviLease’s dynamic business model. We look forward to being a reliable partner on their continued journey.”
Beyond traditional shop visits, StandardAero is investing heavily in the LEAP ecosystem. Its Component Repair Services team has already industrialized over 475 LEAP component repairs, reducing turnaround times and costs. To combat industry-wide technician shortages, the company is also cultivating new talent through its in-house Aviation Mechanic Training Program in San Antonio, ensuring a skilled workforce for years to come. This holistic approach to aftermarket support makes StandardAero a critical enabler for lessors like AviLease navigating the complex narrowbody engine market.
