LONDON – European carrier Air France-KLM has announced that it will entering in strategic agreement with CFM International for 200 LEAP-1A engines which will power future Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleets of the carrier.  

This remarkable decision has been made after Air France-KLM placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, with further options of purchase rights for 60 additional aircrafts, which will be allocated for KLM and Transavia Netherlands fleet renewal program.

Remainder of aircrafts will be utilised for the renewal and expansion of Transavia France fleets.

CFM International, which is a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines, the LEAP-1A is regarded as the latest-generation aircraft engine on the global performance and efficiency of the Airbus A320neo aircraft family.

The relation between Air France- KLM and CFM International dates to decades, with latest being Boeing 737 NG (CFM56-7B) and Airbus A320ceo (CFM56-5B) fleets of the carrier which are equipped with CFM’s engines.  

Speaking on this remarkable day, the CEO of Air France-KLM, Benjamin Smith said:

“Air France-KLM is dedicated to improving its economic and environmental performance. Latest generation aircraft like our upcoming A320neo and A321neo enable a 10%-unit cost reduction, emit 15% less CO₂ and generate 50% less noise, in part thanks to their advanced engines.”

“Through this agreement, Air France-KLM and CFM International are building on their longstanding relationship to make aviation more sustainable.”

LEAP-1A the NEXT-GEN of aviation

The cutting-edge technology of the CFM International along with GE Aviation and Safran, which powers LEAP-1A engines, are the most advanced engines in the aviation world.

These engines have continued to achieve remarkable milestones by setting new standards in the aviation industry in fuel efficiency record.

The LEAP has been regarded as the ultramodern aircraft engine which sets another record standards in asset utilisation, by logging more than 20 million engine flight hours with more than 9 million flight cycles in commercial operations, stated Safran.

The manufacturer further stated that, with LEAP installed onboard aircrafts have proved to be saving 15% fuel with lower CO₂ emission, along with significant improvements in noise as compared to its predecessors.

As the CFM International has embarked on another long-lasting journey with Air France-KLM, the President and CEO of CFM International, Gaël Méheust said that:

“We are honored to further expand our partnership with one of the largest groups in the industry and to be an integral part of Air France-KLM’s sustainability strategy.”

“Air-France-KLM’s renewed trust is a valuable recognition of the LEAP engine performances in terms of sustainability and fuel efficiency.”

“We are looking forward to introducing the LEAP into their new fleet and to supporting KLM, Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France operations.”