GE Aerospace has reported robust first-quarter 2026 performance, with LEAP engine deliveries surging 63 percent year on year to 520 units.
The Ohio-based manufacturer, which produces the LEAP through its CFM International joint venture with Safran, saw total engine deliveries reach approximately 640 units when including widebody powerplants, a roughly 50 percent increase from the prior year. This marks continued recovery from previous supply chain constraints, with the company citing improved material supply and execution of its FLIGHT DECK operating system as key factors. Deliveries were slightly below the fourth-quarter 2025 pace of 562 LEAPs but demonstrate sustained momentum.
The first-quarter activity positions CFM well to meet its goal of delivering more than 2,000 LEAP engines across 2026, an increase from 1,802 delivered the previous year. Production improvements have been supported by double-digit gains in supplier material inputs, helping ease bottlenecks that had constrained output in prior periods.
In tandem with the production ramp-up, GE has made significant strides in addressing durability concerns with the LEAP-1A variant that powers Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration certified a durability improvement kit in December 2024. The upgrade package includes redesigned high-pressure turbine blades along with new high-pressure turbine stage one fuel nozzles and nozzle supports. As of late April 2026, this kit has been deployed on 30 percent of the in-service LEAP-1A fleet. The company intends to begin rolling out similar durability kits for the LEAP-1B engines that exclusively power Boeing 737 MAX aircraft later this year.
These aftermarket upgrades are designed to more than double time-on-wing in severe operating environments, such as those encountered in hot and dusty conditions in the Middle East and other regions. The approach contrasts with that taken by competitor Pratt & Whitney on its PW1000G family, focusing on incremental improvements rather than broad recalls. GE has also expanded its MRO network, adding partners like Iberia and enhancing capabilities at Delta TechOps to support growing aftermarket demand for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines.
GE also secured substantial new business during the quarter. The company announced commercial wins for more than 650 engines, including agreements with American Airlines for more than 300 LEAP-1A engines to support Airbus A321neo fleet expansion, 300 GEnx engines for United Airlines' new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 60 GEnx engines for Delta Air Lines' Boeing 787-10 aircraft. A long-term materials services agreement was also signed with Ryanair covering its entire fleet of approximately 2,000 CFM56 and LEAP engines.
Financially, the commercial engines and services segment delivered strong results, with revenue climbing 34 percent to $8.9 billion. Services revenue grew 39 percent, fueled by higher shop visit volumes, increased work scopes, and robust spare parts sales. Overall company revenue rose 29 percent while adjusted earnings per share increased 25 percent. GE maintained its full-year 2026 guidance but noted adjustments to departure growth forecasts due to geopolitical factors in the Middle East.
The results underscore GE Aerospace's strengthening position in the commercial aviation supply chain amid sustained airline demand for new narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Continued focus on durability enhancements and aftermarket support is expected to deliver further benefits to operators through improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.