Riyadh Air announced a firm order for 120 CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power 60 Airbus A321neo family aircraft ordered last year. This major agreement includes spare engines. Riyadh Air is a new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, whose launch was announced in 2023 as part of the country’s initiative to diversify its economy. For its new A321neo fleet, Riyadh Air will benefit from CFM’s fuel-efficient LEAP-1A engines that will include the latest high-pressure turbine durability kit. The installed kit aims to increase an engine’s time on wing in hot climates such as the Middle East.
“We are excited to partner with CFM, the world’s leading supplier of engines for narrowbody aircraft, as we open a new chapter in our company’s history,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air. “Powering our new fleet with LEAP engines is a major asset for our operations, providing outstanding fuel efficiency, lower noise and emissions, and enhanced durability.”
“We are honoured to embark on this new journey with Riyadh Air as it launches operations with the Airbus A321neo,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “By supporting Riyadh Air’s fleet introduction, we are proud to contribute to building one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the region, while helping foster a dynamic aerospace ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
With more than 4,000 aircraft delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites deliver an engine that’s 15% more fuel efficient, with 15% lower carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open MRO ecosystem, CFM LEAP engines offer mature reliability and enable high asset utilisation for narrowbody aircraft.
Air Arabia signs CFM services agreement for LEAP-1A engines
Air Arabia, the first and one of the largest budget operators in the Middle East and North Africa, signed an agreement with CFM International, to extend services to cover the CFM LEAP-1A engines that power six A321neo LR aircraft. The agreement was signed during the Dubai Airshow and included senior executives from both CFM and Air Arabia.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said: “This extended agreement with CFM reinforces Air Arabia’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth while supporting our efforts in the utilization and durability of our LEAP engines, as well as maintaining efficiency across our fleet.”
“We are honoured by Air Arabia’s trust in our LEAP engine and support,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “This strengthens our commitment to providing world-class support to maximize the utilization of their LEAP fleet throughout the product lifecycle.”
Air Arabia became a CFM customer in 2003 as the airline kicked off operations with an Airbus A320 aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. The company currently operates a fleet of 71 A320ceo and 10 A321neo family aircraft. Air Arabia still has 116 LEAP-powered A320neo family aircraft on order.
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