CFM to support Air Arabia’s A321neo fleet

CFM International will provide time and material support for Air Arabia’s fleet of six LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft.
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CFM to support Air Arabia’s A321neo fleet.  Image:  Air Arabia

CFM on November 20 signed a comprehensive nine-year agreement with the airline. Air Arabia is the first LEAP-powered A321neo operator in the Middle East.The agreement builds on a successful relationship with CFM that includes a fleet of 52 CFM56-powered A320ceo aircraft and 6 A321neos-LR. Jay Menon reports.

Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving routes from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.

“We are honoured by the confidence Air Arabia has placed in CFM. Air Arabia's continued accomplishments, as perfectly illustrated by its recent raking as world's number one on Airfinance Journal's list of top 100 global airlines, is a direct result of its tireless commitment to excellence across its entire operations. We're grateful to be able to contribute to their success and future developments,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International.

Since entering commercial service, the advanced LEAP engine has accumulated nearly 9 million engine flight hours, with more than 4,000 installed and spare engines delivered to more than 100 operators worldwide. The fleet is, demonstrating a 15 per cent better fuel consumption compared to the best CFM56 engines and has maintained the industry's highest asset utilisation rate. 

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.