The British budget airline Jet2 plc has contracted CFM International for up to 150 LEAP-1A engines to power the new Airbus A321neo aircraft chosen for its fleet modernization, an order that could be worth more than $2 billion for the jet-engine manufacturer jointly owned by GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines. CFM has not reported the actual cost of the contract, which also includes spare engines and a long-term services support agreement.
Jet2 – which offers regional service from several U.K. airports to leisure destinations in Spain – has ordered 57 new A321neo aircraft.
The LEAP-1A is one of three variants of the LEAP series high-bypass turbofan engine, and one of two engine options for the A321neo. The engine builder claims the LEAP series provides 15% better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, with a significant improvement in noise, compared to previous generation CFM56 engines.
“The LEAP engine has been demonstrating significant improvements in terms of CO2 and noise emissions that will help us optimize our operations and provide a more comfortable customer experience. We are also going to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels with the LEAP engine to address our ambitious sustainable goals ” according to Philip Meeson, executive chairman of Jet2 plc.
