LONDON – CFM has announced that European LCC airline easyJet has extended its selection agreement for CFM International LEAP-1A engines, to power the 56 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. They are planned to be delivered between 2026 and 2028 and bringing easyJet’s total A320neo family order commitment to 227.
easyJet has confirmed on Wednesday (July 20) a firm order for 56 A320neo Family aircraft following shareholder approval. The order is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and up-gauging, cost and sustainability enhancements to the business. The agreement includes an upsizing of 18 A320neo to the larger A321neo model.
The European carrier currently operates a fleet of 260 CFM56-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 58 LEAP-powered A320neo family aircraft. Prior to this announcement, easyJet had an outstanding order book of 113 LEAP-powered A320neo family aircraft, which has now increased to 169 future deliveries between now, and December 2028.
“We are delighted to expand our 25 years-partnership with easyJet; this engine selection commitment reinforces the strength of the relationship between our two companies.”
“The LEAP engine will continue to deliver the kind of fuel efficiency, reliability, durability, and sustainability benefits that easyJet has come to expect from CFM,” said Gaël Méheust, CEO of CFM International.
easyJet’s Chief Financial Officer Kenton Jarvis commented:
“The delivery of these aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP engines, will enable us to continue the company’s fleet refresh, as older A319s and A320s leave the airline and new A320 and A321 neo aircraft enter, providing benefits to easyJet through up gauging, cost efficiencies and sustainability enhancements. We believe this will support positive returns for the business and the delivery of our strategic objectives.”
LEAP-1A
The advanced CFM LEAP engine continues to set new industry standards for fuel efficiency and asset utilization, logging 20 million engine flight hours in commercial operation.
The fleet is providing 15 to 20 percent better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, as well as a significant improvement in noise compared to previous generation engines. Since its entry into service in 2016, the LEAP engine allowed our customers to save more than 14 million tons of CO2.
Designed, produced & marketed by CFM International, the LEAP-1A powers the new-generation Airbus A320neo single-aisle jet. LEAP 1A is designed to meet the challenge of decarbonizing air transport.
The LEAP-1A engine offers A320neo operators enhanced performance in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (15% lower1), NOx emissions (up to 50% lower2) and noise (in accordance with Chapter 14).
To achieve its remarkable performance, the LEAP-1A is packed with innovative technologies and materials. The use of a 3D woven composite material and the RTM (resin transfer molding) process developed and patented by Safran Aircraft Engines makes it possible to produce fan blades that are lighter, stronger and more durable.
The low-pressure turbine blades are machined from an innovative titanium-aluminide alloy that is lighter and more resistant to high temperatures. The low-pressure turbine rings and blades are made of CMC (ceramic matrix composite) materials, and the fuel injectors are 3D printed.
