In light of the robust demand for jet engine repairs, France’s Safran (SAF.PA) noted sustained strain on supply chains when it reported a 26% increase in underlying third-quarter revenue on Friday. Strong demand for aftermarket services helped the engine and equipment maker’s incomes rise 20.1%, or 25.9% on a like-for-like basis, to 5.82 billion euros ($6.14 billion).

Through their joint venture, CFM International, Safran, and GE (GE.N.) co-produce LEAP jet engines for all Boeing (BA.N) and select Airbus (AIR.PA) narrow-body planes.

This week, both reduced their predicted full-year percentage growth for LEAP engine deliveries from about 50% to 40–45%. Deliveries have increased by 45% to 1,174 units so far this year. However, after the closely monitored performance indicator increased 38% in dollar terms in the first nine months, Safran revised its percentage growth prediction for civil aftermarket sales to the low 30s from the mid-to-high 20s.

In early trade, shares increased by 0.8%.

Competition for new engines is developing between airplane assembly factories and maintenance facilities as supply chain disruptions limit the growth of new deliveries and drive higher fleet repairs due to increased travel demand. Safran restated its earnings goals.

According to CEO Olivier Andries, the most brittle links in the supply chain are still raw materials, castings, and forgings. In addition, he took a cautious approach in front of talks with aircraft manufacturers on the 2025 engine supply.

Airbus, which wants to increase output significantly, views the matter as especially important. However, the company has already disagreed with CFM over the latter’s sometimes more conservative stance on supply chains.

According to Andries, CFM is prepared to handle a recovery to output levels attained or anticipated before the pandemic by 2025, which equates to 65 narrow-body aircraft per month at Airbus and 50 at Boeing.

Does it mean that’s what the planners will ultimately require? We’re ready for it, but we’ll see.”

The numbers align with what Boeing had previously revealed but are below what Airbus had warned the industry about.

Andries’ remarks are against Pratt & Whitney’s (RTX.N.) ongoing supply issues. Pratt & Whitney and CFM compete to power the Airbus A320 series. According to a senior industry insider, “he is in a strong position with the situation at Pratt & Whitney.”

Airbus didn’t respond right away. In public, Airbus recently abandoned a short-term goal of producing 65 A320 aircraft per month by the end of 2024, up from a little over 50, in favor of a longer-term plan of 75 by 2026.

However, industry insiders claim that by the end of 2025, suppliers should be earning at least 65 per month to reach 75 per month. This week, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced the company’s goal to achieve 50 employees monthly “in the 2025/2026 time frame”.