Air India and CFM International Forge Strong Partnership with Engine Order for New Fleet
New Delhi, July 21- Air India and CFM International have finalized a significant order for LEAP engines to power the carrier’s new fleet of 400 narrow-body planes. The engines will be installed on 210 Airbus A320/A321 neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, marking a significant milestone for both companies.
In addition to the engine order, Air India and CFM International also signed a multi-year services agreement that covers the airline’s entire fleet of LEAP engines. This agreement ensures that Air India’s engines will be maintained and serviced by CFM International, further strengthening the partnership between the two entities.The order for LEAP engines was first announced in February, and the recent finalization cements Air India’s commitment to enhancing its fleet with state-of-the-art technology.
Air India has a long-standing relationship with CFM International, dating back to 2002 when it first became a customer and started operating A320 neo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. In 2017, Air India became the first LEAP-1A-powered operator in India, operating the A320 neo with LEAP engines. The airline currently boasts 27 LEAP-1A-powered A320neo family aircraft in its fleet, further solidifying its confidence in CFM International’s engines.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, expressed his delight at celebrating this significant deal with CFM International, acknowledging its crucial role in the airline’s future growth and expansion. The acquisition of the latest LEAP engines reaffirms Air India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations and deliver a superior flying experience to its passengers.
GaëlMéheust, President, and CEO of CFM International, also welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that this order strengthens the company’s presence in the Indian aviation market. CFM International’s reputation for providing reliable, high-performance engines has made it a preferred choice for leading airlines worldwide, and the partnership with Air India further enhances its standing in the industry.The order for LEAP engines aligns with Air India’s recent move to place orders for a total of 470 aircraft, including 70 wide-body planes.
The LEAP engine, developed by CFM International, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency, making it a sought-after choice for airlines seeking to optimize their operational costs and environmental footprint. By selecting the LEAP engines for its new fleet, Air India is positioning itself as a forward-looking airline committed to sustainability and operational excellence.
As Air India gears up for the integration of its new fleet, the partnership with CFM International will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations and top-notch performance. The multi-year services agreement ensures that the airline’s LEAP engines will receive world-class maintenance and support, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.With the aviation industry poised for a rebound and a surge in air travel expected in the coming years, Air India’s strategic move to invest in modern and efficient aircraft and engines is timely and well-calibrated. The addition of LEAP engines to its fleet represents a significant step forward in realizing the airline’s growth ambitions and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
As Air India’s new fleet takes to the skies, passengers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience, powered by the reliability, performance, and environmental consciousness of CFM International’s LEAP engines. The partnership between Air India and CFM International symbolizes a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry, setting the stage for a promising future for both entities in the dynamic and competitive market.
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh , 21 July 2023
