Ryanair has signed a long‑term agreement with Safran’s engine joint venture, CFM, to purchase every detached part needed for its Boeing 737 fleet. The deal also includes the creation of two dedicated maintenance workshops that will become operational by 2029.
The partnership is designed to support Ryanair’s ambitious growth plan, which targets a fleet of up to 800 Boeing 737 aircraft and more than 2,000 engines. By internalising engine upkeep, the low‑cost carrier hopes to streamline operations and keep expenses under control.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, highlighted that the airline has relied on CFM for CFM56 engine support for three decades under a flight‑hour maintenance contract. Starting in 2029, Ryanair will bring that work in‑house, “with the full backing of our partner CFM,” he said.
Safran CEO Olivier Andriès added that the agreement will “optimise fleet performance and master operating costs.” The scope covers both the current CFM56 engines and the newer LEAP models that power the upcoming Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Ryanair estimates it will spend more than $1 billion annually on spare parts purchased directly from CFM throughout the life of the contract. This marks a new chapter in a partnership that dates back to 1998, when the two companies first began working together.
Today, Ryanair operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 737s equipped with CFM engines, including the biggest concentration of CFM56 powerplants in Europe with over 400 737‑NG aircraft. The airline also runs more than 200 737‑MAX jets powered by LEAP engines and has ordered an additional 150 MAX aircraft, with another 150 options on the table.