IndiGo seals biggest-ever LEAP engine deal with CFM to power 510 Airbus aircraft

IndiGo on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CFM International for an order of more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, also includes CFM's support in setting up IndiGo's upcoming engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility as well as a long-term material services agreement covering spare parts supply for the airline's expanding fleet.

The deal will support deliveries of the 510 Airbus A320neo family aircraft that IndiGo had ordered earlier as part of its fleet expansion plans.

“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,” IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Designate Willie Walsh said.

He said the LEAP engine's reliability would support the airline's expansion, operational resilience and sustainability goals.

CFM International said the order is the largest single agreement ever placed for LEAP engines and comes after a decade-long partnership with IndiGo.

“IndiGo has trusted CFM to support its performance for a decade now, and we're honoured to renew that trust with today's agreement,” GE Aerospace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer H Lawrence Culp Jr said.

The MoU also envisages CFM assisting IndiGo in establishing engine MRO capabilities in India and ensuring long-term spare parts availability to improve fleet reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andriès said the agreement reflects the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

“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,” Andriès said.

IndiGo has been a CFM customer since 2016, initially operating Airbus A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines before selecting LEAP-1A engines in 2019 for its A320neo family fleet.