Earlier this month CFM and Qatar Airways announced that the airline had selected CFM LEAP-1A engines to power the largest order of A321neo Family aircraft in the Middle East ever.
On November 14, 2019 CFM announced that Qatar Airways, the national flag carrier of the State of Qatar, has chosen to power its new fleet of 50 Airbus A321neo Family aircraft with CFM’s popular LEAP-1A engines. Additionally, the airline signed a Rate-Per-Flight-Hour (RPFH) support agreement with CFM to cover their entire fleet of LEAP-1A engine spares. Combined, the list value of the deal is worth $4 billion. Since 2015, Qatar has been a CFM customer, first ordering CFM 56-5B engines to power its A320ceo aircraft. I n the November 14th announcement, Qatar Airways Group CEO, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said,
“We chose the LEAP engine based on its proven efficiency in commercial operations. This engine addresses our strategy to operate a state-of-the art fleet with the most advanced technologies in the industry, while expanding our network and maintaining the best flexibility for our customers.”
Three years after its introduction, CFM International’s LEAP engine has logged over 5M fleet hours. The LEAP family engines have set a new standard for fuel-efficiency and asset utilization, while the A320neo family fleet experiences the most rapid buildup in commercial aviation history. Also commenting on the significant Qatar Airways' order, CFM International’s President and CEO, Gaël Méheust added,
“We are excited to take another step forward in our partnership with Qatar Airways. This agreement shows the continued confidence this airline has in our products and we look forward to working closely with them to introduce the fuel-efficient LEAP engine into their fleet. We also look forward to supporting Qatar Airways’ continued growth and maintaining lower operating costs.”
Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world, serving over 160 destinations worldwide from its Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar. The rapidly expending airline currently has a fleet of over 250 modern aircraft. The award-winning airline was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ at the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax.
Source: CFM International