China’s Xiamen Airlines is buying dozens of LEAP-1A engines from CFM International to power 40 new Airbus aircraft ordered last year. The booking could have a value of $1.16 billion based on the list price for the LEAP-1A, though that estimate does not project the number of spare engines to be supplied together with 80 engines that will power the 15 A321neo and 25 A320neo aircraft Xiamen
The carrier also inked a services agreement with CFM International for the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and CFM56-7B engines in its fleet.
Xiamen Airlines is centered at Xiamen, in Fujian province, and serves 320 domestic and international destinations.
In September 2022, Xiamen Airlines announced it is staking its fleet modernization on the Airbus A320neo series, though it also has orders for delivery of about two dozen Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
The LEAP-1A is a high-bypass turbofan engine series designed by CFM International and produced in three variants for twin-engine narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo series. The LEAP-1A, the Airbus version, is manufactured by Safran Aircraft Engines, which with GE Aerospace forms the CFM joint venture.
CFM maintains that the LEAP engine family provides 15-20 percent better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, as well as lower engine noise than previous generation engines.
“We have long-standing relationship with CFM and 100% of our fleet is powered by CFM and GE engines,” commented Dong Zhao, chairman of Xiamen Airlines.
“Xiamen Airlines supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and has adopted sustainable development as one of our strategic priorities during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Joining hands again, we will continue to reduce fuel consumption, and fulfill our commitments to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals through innovation, providing safe, comfortable and sustainable travel options to our passengers.”
