American Airlines has selected CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine to power future deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The carrier announced Thursday that CFM powerplants will be installed on the 85 A321neos it ordered in early 2024.
American already uses LEAP engines on its in-service A321neos, as well as on the A321XLR and Boeing 737 MAX.
“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,” American CEO Robert Isom said in a news release. “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.”
CFM will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s LEAP-1A engines, officials said.
Financial terms of the engine order and maintenance agreement were not disclosed.
A321neo operators have two options to power the aircraft – the LEAP-1A and Pratt and Whitney’s PW1000G.
American has options for 116 additional A320-family aircraft, and if exercised, those jets would also be outfitted with LEAP engines, officials said.
