CFM International has announced that the new durability package developed for the LEAP-1B engines powering the Boeing 737 MAX family has been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The package includes more durable components in the engine’s high-pressure turbine section. According to CFM, the upgrades could approximately double the engine’s time on wing, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and India, where high temperatures, sand and dust cause increased wear. The package is therefore expected to extend the intervals between engine shop visits.
CFM has also completed the initial engine-level certification of the reverse bleed system developed for the LEAP-1B. The system, which contributes to engine cooling, is expected to reduce the need for on-wing fuel nozzle replacements and bring maintenance requirements closer to those of the previous-generation CFM56 engine.
Preparations have begun to introduce the new durability package into serial production. CFM plans to complete the full production transition to the new configuration in early 2027.
The LEAP-1B is the sole engine option for the Boeing 737 MAX family. CFM International operates as a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
