Rewrites paragraph 1, adds CEO comments in paragraphs 3 & 6, GE Aerospace result in paragraph 8

By Olivier Cherfan

April 23 (Reuters) - French jet engine maker Safran SAF.PA sees limited near-term impact from the conflict in the Middle East, it said on Thursday, as it reported a stronger-than-expected rise in first-quarter revenue and said it expected to reach the upper end of its previously announced full-year forecast.

Safran co-produces LEAP jet engines for narrow-body Boeing BA.N and Airbus AIR.PA jetliners with GE Aerospace GE.N through their CFM International venture, the world's largest engine maker by units sold.

"We saw no impact in the first quarter and do not expect a significant impact in the second quarter at this stage," Safran CEO Olivier Andriès said in a media call about the impact of the Middle East conflict.

The company, which also makes landing gear, brakes and cabin interiors, said adjusted revenue rose 18.8% to 8.62 billion euros ($10.08 billion) in the first quarter, supported by LEAP engine deliveries surging more than 60% and sales of spare parts and services rising 29% and 43%, respectively.

The widely watched spare parts revenue for civil engines grew by 29.3% in dollar terms.

Analysts were on average expecting revenue of 8.28 billion euros, according to a company-compiled consensus.

Andriès said that CFM held about 60% of the A320neo-family order book and that Safran had no ambition to increase that share despite Pratt & Whitney's current engine-supply problems.

GE Aerospace said on Tuesday it was tracking toward the upper end of its 2026 profit forecast, while preparing for a tougher environment marked by higher oil prices, fuel supply constraints and slower global growth.

Safran expects 2026 revenue to rise by a low- to mid-teens percentage, with recurring operating income of 6.1 to 6.2 billion euros and free cash flow of 4.4 to 4.6 billion euros.

($1 = 0.8549 euros)