Hexcel and Safran have signed a long term contract for the supply of composite materials for LEAP-1 (developed by CFM International) engine programs.

The contract covers Hexcel’s HexTow IM7 carbon fiber that will be used to manufacture all LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases, including the LEAP-1A selected for the Airbus A320 NEO; the LEAP-1B selected for the Boeing 737MAX and the LEAP-1C selected for COMAC 919.

Under the terms of the contract Hexcel will also supply Safran with HexPly carbon prepreg, for the manufacture of the A320 NEO nacelles.

“This contract is the culmination of a long term relationship between Safran and Hexcel which started more than 30 years ago, based on innovation and continuous improvements to further increase the penetration of composite materials in aerospace engines “ commented Nick Stanage, Hexcel’s President and COO. “We thank Safran for their commitment and look forward to our ongoing supply of high performance, weight saving carbon fiber and prepregs”.

“Composite materials will take more and more room in Safran's Products and Hexcel is our partner to sustain the growth." said Xavier Dessemond, Vice President Purchasing of Safran. “Hexcel has been accompanying us for years in the development of key materials for the success of the LEAP-1 Engines as well as for nacelle structures.”

About LEAP and CFM

The LEAP engine family is a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE. CFM is the world’s largest commercial aircraft engine supplier, and the company has delivered 25,000 engines to more than 530 operators around the globe. The CFM56 fleet has logged more than 635 million flight hours in the past 30 years as the most reliable engines in the air.