Akasa Air and CFM ink deal for over 300 LEAP-1B engines

As part of the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India, Akasa Air and CFM International have jointly revealed an agreement for the acquisition of CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes. The announcement follows the recent declaration of the sale of these aircraft. This comprehensive agreement encompasses spare engines and a services contract, further solidifying the collaboration between the two entities.

Having commenced operations in August 2022, the Mumbai-based carrier had previously placed an order for a total of 76 LEAP-1B-powered 737-8 aircraft, with 22 currently in active service.

Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed confidence in the enduring partnership, stating, “This significant, long-term agreement is testament to the confidence that CFM International has in Akasa Air. Continuing to partner with CFM as our engine maintenance provider not only reaffirms our focus on operational reliability but equally underscores Akasa Air’s relentless pursuit of world-class safety.”

Dube added, “With CFM as our long-term engine maintenance provider, we remain confident in our path to becoming one of the top-30 leading airlines in the world by the turn of this decade.”

This latest order contributes to CFM’s expanding presence in India, with over 400 CFM-powered aircraft currently in service and 2,500 LEAP engines in the backlog. Notably, CFM’s parent companies, GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, have made substantial investments in India, establishing cutting-edge facilities dedicated to LEAP production and maintenance. These endeavours align with strategic partnerships formed with Indian aerospace companies, as part of the “Make in India” policy.