The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a deal with jet engines supplier CFM International (CFM) to address rising airline operating costs and help make flying affordable.

According to the companies, the deal is expected to increase competition in the market for maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO) on engines manufactured by CFM, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Engines made by CFM power around 13,400 single-aisle aircraft. The deal is expected to benefit CFM’s airline customers, aircraft lessors, third-party MRO facilities and parts manufacturers.

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “Airlines spend a tremendous amount of money on the maintenance and repair of aircraft and engines to ensure we are always operating to the highest levels of safety and reliability.

“This milestone agreement with CFM will lead to increased competition among the providers of parts and services related to the servicing of CFM engines. We expect increased competition will reduce airline operating costs and help to keep flying affordable. And we hope that this agreement will be an example for other manufacturers to follow.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

As part of the deal, CFM has adopted a set of ‘Conduct Policies’ that will help enhance opportunities available to third-party providers of engine parts and MRO services on its existing CFM56 and the new LEAP series engines.

The company has further agreed to licence its Engine Shop Manual to an MRO facility even if it uses non-CFM parts; grant airlines and third-party overhaul facilities the right to use the CFM Engine Shop Manual without a fee; as well as perform all parts repairs when non-CFM parts or repairs are present in the engine.

GE has also agreed to apply the Conduct Policies to other air commercial aircraft engines it produces.

Based on the agreement, the association has withdrawn a formal complaint it filed with the Competition Directorate of the European Commission (COMP) in March 2016. The complaint regarded an investigation being conducted by the COMP into alleged abuses of dominant positions by manufacturers of aviation equipment.