CFM International, a renowned leader in commercial aircraft engines, has announced the shipment of the first production LEAP-1A engines equipped with its innovative reverse bleed system (RBS) to Airbus. This milestone paves the way for the entry of these engines into commercial service by mid-year. Additionally, the new RBS configuration hardware will be retrofitted into the existing fleet by airlines and overhaul shops. CFM also plans to introduce the RBS on the LEAP-1B engine.
The LEAP-1A engine with the new RBS system, aimed at mitigating carbon build-up on fuel nozzles, received certification from the FAA and EASA in 2023. This achievement is expected to significantly reduce the need for on-wing fuel nozzle replacement and associated maintenance, thereby alleviating operational burdens. CFM anticipates that fuel nozzle replacement will primarily occur during performance restoration shop visits once the RBS is fully deployed throughout the fleet. The installation of the hardware, which can be completed on wing in as little as ten hours, is slated for availability in the second quarter of this year.