IAG and CFM signed an agreement for a new LEAP Premier MRO license to strengthen LEAP support ecosystem

• Iberia Maintenance near Madrid will become LEAP Premier MRO shop
• Facility is scheduled to start LEAP operations in 1Q 2027

CINCINNATI – 20 April 2026 – CFM International and International Airlines Group (IAG) signed an agreement for a CFM Premier MRO license covering both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, reinforcing the global support ecosystem for CFM’s fastest-growing engine family.

As part of the agreement, Iberia’s engine shop in La Muñoza, near Madrid-Barajas Airport which has more than 50 years of experience, will be positioned as a strategic hub for LEAP MRO activity in Europe within CFM’s global LEAP MRO ecosystem. Its capabilities will be progressively expanded to support operators worldwide, including IAG airline fleets, with initial LEAP inductions planned for first quarter 2027.

“Becoming a CFM LEAP Premier MRO provider places IAG and Iberia in a strategic position to develop a business with strong growth and profitability potential. This agreement strengthens our international presence, consolidating our position among the leading global providers of engine maintenance for single-aisle aircraft,” said Marco Sansavini, CEO of Iberia. “In the current context of high macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, long-term investments such as this one — which form part of our Flight Plan 2030 — enable us to continue advancing Iberia’s transformation, strengthening its profitability, cost efficiency and operational robustness, and further preparing us for future challenges.”

“IAG and Iberia have been a long-term partner for CFM – from overhauling CFM56 engines since 1992 and being the first airline to take delivery of a LEAP-1A-powered A321XLR. We are delighted to welcome them to the LEAP Premier MRO ecosystem,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “We’re forecasting CFM LEAP shop visits to increase significantly by the end of this decade as the fleet continues to expand. The addition of IAG to the LEAP MRO network reflects our commitment to an open ecosystem that will further strengthen world-class support for our airline customers.”

LEAP engines power more than 4,600 aircraft, including the majority of Airbus A320neo and all Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft. Orders have steadily grown for the engines, resulting in a strong backlog.

CFM LEAP Premier MRO shops are part of an open MRO ecosystem in which CFM, Premier MRO providers, and third-party shops compete for MRO services. Premier MRO licensees retain the highest level of training and support from CFM, as well as increased access to proprietary overhaul and repair technology. Because the open MRO ecosystem fosters competition, it allows operators to optimize costs and to secure induction slots with turnaround times to meet their schedule and work scope needs, while also supporting higher engine residual value as seen with CFM56 engines today.

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About Iberia and Iberia Maintenance

Iberia has been flying from Spain for 99 years with the purpose of generating prosperity by connecting people with the world. It is the leading airline on routes between Europe and Latin America, where it offers direct flights to 21 destinations in 16 countries across the region. Together with Iberia Express and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, Iberia operates a fleet of 167 aircraft and flies to around 50 countries worldwide from Madrid Airport, where it has developed its hub. Iberia is part of International Airlines Group (IAG), the first airline group in the world to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In 2025, Iberia was the fourth most punctual airline in Europe and the sixth worldwide.

Iberia Maintenance is a leading international Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, offering comprehensive support across engines, airframe and components from its facilities in Madrid and Barcelona. Its engine shop supports a broad range of narrowbody and widebody engines, including V2500, CFM56, PW1100G and now CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B, following its recent entry into the CFM Premier MRO network. With more than 50 years of engine MRO experience, Iberia Maintenance supports IAG airlines while providing third-party services to customers worldwide, strengthening its role as a key engine MRO provider. In addition, Iberia Maintenance delivers full Airbus heavy maintenance capabilities and operates specialized component shops, combining advanced technologies, high standards of quality and a strong commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.