FARNBOROUGH: CFM International and IndiGo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an order of more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking what is expected to become the largest single order ever placed for LEAP engines and a record for CFM International.
The agreement also includes CFM International’s support in establishing IndiGo’s upcoming engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and providing long-term material services support for the airline’s expanding fleet.
The partnership covers the supply of spare parts and material services aimed at ensuring high dispatch reliability, predictable operating costs, and continued operational support as IndiGo scales its domestic and international network.
IndiGo extends long-term partnership with CFM International
Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer Designate, IndiGo, said: “As IndiGo embarks on its next phase of growth towards becoming a truly global airline, we are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with CFM International for the engines powering future deliveries of our Airbus A320/321neo Family aircraft fleet. CFM has been a trusted partner in our growth journey since 2016, supporting a fleet that now exceeds 375 A320/321 Family aircraft.
The LEAP engine’s industry-leading proven reliability makes it the ideal choice to support our scale, operational resilience and sustainability ambitions. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing safe, reliable and efficient travel across an ever-expanding network in India and around the world.”
IndiGo has been a customer of CFM International for the past decade. In 2016, the airline operated Airbus A320ceo Family aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines.
In 2019, IndiGo expanded the relationship by ordering LEAP-1A engines for its Airbus A320/321neo Family fleet.
GE Aerospace highlights India commitment
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace, said: “IndiGo has trusted CFM to support its performance for a decade now, and we’re honored to renew that trust with today’s agreement.
LEAP engines are delivering up to twice the time on wing in hot and harsh operating environments than when they entered service, while continuing to provide fuel efficiency and reliability.”
He added: “As we continue to strengthen the program to best serve our customers, GE Aerospace is also proud to build on more than 40 years of support for India’s aviation sector.
With a strong installed base, manufacturing in Pune, a broad local supplier network, and advanced engineering in Bengaluru, we remain committed to supporting IndiGo’s growth and expanding our presence in India.”
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India remains a strategic market for CFM International
CFM International stated that India is its third-largest market, with five Indian carriers operating more than 400 LEAP-powered aircraft and approximately 2,000 engines on order.
Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, said: “This historic milestone reflects the long-standing partnership between IndiGo and CFM. It underscores the trust that airlines place in the performance and value delivered by the LEAP engine.”
He further said: “As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India is of strategic importance to Safran. Through our continued investments in the country, particularly in LEAP engine production and MRO capabilities, we are strengthening our long-term commitment to supporting IndiGo’s remarkable growth and to contributing to the development of Indian aerospace industry.”
Safran expands LEAP MRO capacity
Last year, Safran inaugurated its largest MRO center for LEAP engines. The 45,000-square-meter facility is expected to ramp up to a capacity of 300 LEAP shop visits annually and includes a next-generation test bench.
With more than 10,000 LEAP engines delivered globally, CFM International said the LEAP program has experienced the fastest production ramp in commercial aviation history.
The company continues to upgrade the fleet with a high-pressure turbine durability kit designed to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system intended to reduce airline maintenance burden.
CFM International also said it remains focused on improving engine availability through MRO performance, competitive cost of ownership, and an open MRO ecosystem that allows broader aftermarket participation.
