Air TransportAmerican Airlines selects CFM LEAP-1A engines for future A321neo deliveries
American Airlines said it will power its future Airbus A321neo deliveries with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, extending a long-standing relationship between the carrier and the GE Aerospace–Safran joint venture.
The engines will equip the A321neo aircraft ordered by American in March 2024. Financial terms of the purchase and a long-term maintenance agreement were not disclosed.
As part of the deal, CFM International will continue to provide maintenance support for American’s LEAP-1A fleet under a long-term services agreement.
“American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace-powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world,” Chief Executive Robert Isom said. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries.”
American currently operates 84 A321neos and five A321XLRs, according to the airline. It has 120 additional A321neos and 35 A321XLRs on order through 2032, all to be powered by LEAP-1A engines. The carrier also holds options for 116 more A320 family aircraft, which would be fitted with the same engine type if exercised.
The A321neo can be powered either by the CFM LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan, part of the PW1000G family. American’s reaffirmation of CFM for future deliveries comes as Airbus has acknowledged ongoing supply chain pressure tied in part to production and durability issues affecting Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, leading the airframer to adjust its near-term production targets.
American first selected the LEAP engine in 2011 for its Boeing 737 MAX order, choosing the LEAP-1B variant. The airline operates 93 737 MAX aircraft and has 125 more on order. It expanded the partnership in 2014 when it chose the LEAP-1A for its initial A321neo order.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
