Delta TechOps has signed its first third party maintenance contract for CFM International LEAP-1B engines, supporting the powerplants on Korean Air’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The contract is the first time Delta TechOps will maintain LEAP-1B engines for another airline, adding the 737 MAX to the list of aircraft it supports for clients outside Delta. This agreement was announced on December 9th, 2025.
Under the deal, Delta TechOps will maintain the LEAP-1B engines on Korean Air’s 737 MAX fleet. The agreement builds on previous work between the two companies, as Delta TechOps has supported CF6 engines for Asiana Airlines, a subsidiary of the Korean Air Group. This partnership gives both sides confidence and familiarity with each other’s maintenance processes.
Above: A Korean Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 with CFM LEAP-1B Engines on the ground. Original photo by taro96b on Wikimedia Commons and Flickr. Modified by FlyRadius. Released under a Creative Commons License.
The LEAP-1B powers the Boeing 737 MAX family and is the exclusive powerplant for the model.
Korean Air operates a small 737 MAX fleet with more MAX aircraft on order, making a long term maintenance partner a crucial part of supporting those jets.
As part of CFM’s Branded Services Agreement network for LEAP engines, Delta TechOps is one of six MRO providers in the group worldwide, and the first based in North America. This designation gives the company full LEAP-1B maintenance capability at its Atlanta facility, extending that work beyond its own fleet.
In announcing the agreement, John Laughter, EVP Chief of Operations and President of Delta TechOps, said the contract “reflects our team’s expertise and growing capability to support next-generation engines.” “Next-generation engines demand next-generation support, and this is where Delta TechOps excels.” he said.
Korean Air’s EVP and Chief Safety and Operating Officer, Jongseok Yoo also commented on the agreement. “We are delighted to collaborate with Delta TechOps, a trusted partner, to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance for our LEAP-1B engines,” he said.
The agreement adds Korean Air to the list of external operators using Delta TechOps for engine maintenance under CFM’s Branded Services Agreement network. It also marks the company’s first third party work on the CFM LEAP-1B, expanding the range of engines it services for customers beyond Delta’s own fleet.
Above: A CFM International LEAP Engine on display. Original photo by aamanatullah on Wikimedia Commons and Flickr. Modified by FlyRadius. Released under a Creative Commons License.
