AviationNews – Ryanair has officially entered a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFM International for a multi-year engine material services agreement. This strategic partnership is designed to bolster the operational reliability of the airline’s rapidly expanding fleet while transitioning its maintenance strategy toward an in-house model.
The agreement, announced on February 10, 2026, represents a multi-billion dollar commitment between the Irish low-cost carrier and CFM—a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. Under the terms of the deal, Ryanair will purchase all spare engine parts directly from CFM to support its massive inventory of nearly 2,000 engines. This collaboration marks a significant evolution in their 30-year relationship, moving away from traditional “power-by-the-hour” service contracts as Ryanair prepares to open two major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Europe by 2029.
The deal specifically covers the CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines that power Ryanair’s Boeing 737 Next Generation and MAX aircraft. By securing a direct supply of authentic components, the airline aims to mitigate global supply chain bottlenecks and maintain high aircraft utilization rates. The technical focus remains on the LEAP-1B series, which offers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous generations, playing a vital role in the carrier’s environmental and cost-efficiency targets.
“We are pleased to extend our long-term partnership with CFM with this multi-billion-dollar spares support agreement,” stated Michael O’Leary, Ryanair Group CEO. “From 2029 onwards, Ryanair expects to bring the maintenance of its engines in-house, and we are pleased to do so with the help and support of our partners at CFM.”
This agreement sets the stage for Ryanair to scale its fleet to 800 aircraft by 2034. By internalizing engine maintenance and securing a direct pipeline for parts, the airline is insulating itself from rising third-party MRO costs and ensuring it can meet its ambitious goal of carrying 300 million passengers annually within the next decade.
The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to an open MRO ecosystem. As Ryanair builds its own technical infrastructure, the steady supply of CFM components will be essential for maintaining the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 737 engines.
