Photo: American Airlines American Airlines confirmed that its upcoming Airbus A321neo deliveries will continue to use the CFM LEAP-1A engine from CFM International, the joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. These engines will be installed on the A321neos that the airline ordered two years ago. Under the expanded partnership, CFM International will also provide long-term maintenance for American’s LEAP-1A engines for years to come.
“American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace-powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century,” said American CEO Robert Isom. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the best-performing engine in the business.”
Financial terms of the engine purchase and long-term maintenance agreement were not disclosed.
“We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet, and appreciate their continued trust,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace. “We are committed to delivering best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as they serve more destinations for their customers.”
American Airlines currently operates the youngest fleet among legacy U.S. carriers, including 84 A321neos and five A321XLRs. The airline has orders for an additional 120 A321neos and 35 A321XLRs through 2032, all powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. American also holds options to purchase 116 more Airbus A320 family aircraft, which would also feature LEAP-1A engines if exercised.
The airline recently introduced the A321XLR, significantly improving transcontinental travel. As the only US-based operator of the aircraft, the company provides Flagship Suite seats, Premium Economy seating, as well as a reimagined Main Cabin, all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity.
American first selected the CFM LEAP-1B engine in 2011 for its Boeing 737 MAX order of 100 aircraft. The airline now operates 93 737 MAX jets with 125 more on order, and its partnership with CFM expanded in 2014 when it chose the LEAP-1A for its A321neo fleet.
The CFM LEAP engines are the fastest-growing in commercial aviation history. Advanced features like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites make the engines 15% more fuel-efficient and reduce carbon emissions by 15% compared with the previous CFM56 generation. Combined with advanced health monitoring and an open MRO ecosystem, LEAP engines deliver reliable performance and high asset utilization for narrowbody aircraft.