Delta TechOps Lands First Third-Party LEAP-1B Engine Contract with Korean Air
- Joe Breitfeller
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Delta Air Lines has announced that Delta TechOps has received their first third-party LEAP-1B engine contract with Korean Air to maintain the engines that power the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet.

On Tuesday (December 9, 2025), Delta Air Lines announced that Delta TechOps has received their first third-party CFM International LEAP-1B engine contract with Korean Air, for the maintenance of the engines that power the carrier’s Boeing 737 MAX Family fleet. This milestone demonstrates Delta TechOps as a premier provider of advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions, and a trusted partner to the global LEAP operating community. This contract builds on existing MRO work between Delta TechOps and Korean Air. Previously, Delta TechOps also supported CF6 engine maintenance for Asiana Airlines, a subsidiary of Korean Air.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Delta EVP and Delta TechOps President and Chief of
Operations, John Laughter, said,
“Next-generation engines demand next-generation support, and this is where Delta TechOps excels. Our LEAP-1B capability is powered by the expertise of the best people in the industry, built on decades of knowledge and a commitment to innovation — delivering the performance and reliability that keep fleets flying.”
Also commenting on the new maintenance contract, Korean Air’s EVP and Chief Safety and Operating Officer, Jongseok Yoo, said,
“We have great confidence in Delta TechOps’ world-class technical expertise and maintenance quality, and we expect this agreement to further enhance our collaboration across the full spectrum of MRO. This LEAP-1B engine agreement is a testament to our mutual focus on achieving the highest standards of operational assurance for our next-generation fleet.”
Delta EVP and President of International and Chairman of Delta MRO, Alain Bellemare, added,
“As airlines transition to next-generation aircraft, the need for advanced engine maintenance is surging. Delta TechOps’ LEAP-1B expertise demonstrates our ability to meet this demand with unmatched proficiency — setting the benchmark for technical mastery and innovation in the global MRO industry.”
Delta TechOps is a CFM Premier MRO provider for LEAP engines, and one of only six globally authorized providers under CFM’s Branded Services Agreement. As the first North American MRO to earn this exclusive designation, Delta TechOps sets the pace for next-generation engine support, combining deep technical knowledge with proven operational excellence.

Delta TechOps is the largest MRO in North America and one of the most experienced providers worldwide, supporting over 150 global operators. With 25 years of experience spanning engines, components and airframe maintenance, Delta TechOps employs thousands of aviation professionals dedicated to delivering industry-leading performance and innovation.
Source: Delta Air Lines