Air India Express (AIX), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, has finalised an engine sale-and-leaseback agreement with Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC). The deal involves 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 of AIX’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, securing enhanced reliability and cost efficiency under WLFC’s innovative ConstantThrust® programme.
This latest agreement builds on a previous partnership established in 2022 between WLFC and Air India, which covered 34 CFM56-5B engines powering Air India’s Airbus A320 fleet. Both arrangements will be partially managed by WLFC’s expert team based in GIFT City, India.
WLFC’s ConstantThrust® programme is designed to help airlines navigate the complexities of engine maintenance by offering serviceable engines from its extensive portfolio as replacements for those requiring an overhaul. This approach significantly reduces aircraft downtime, eliminates unexpected maintenance costs, and streamlines engine swaps, allowing airlines to maintain operational efficiency with minimal disruption.
Aloke Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Air India Express, highlighted the advantages of the programme, stating: “WLFC’s ConstantThrust® programme has been successful so far for Air India and we are pleased to expand our partnership with WLFC in support of the Air India Express fleet. This agreement allows us to eliminate the uncertainties associated with engine maintenance and mitigate unpredictable costs. WLFC’s ConstantThrust® programme will help us improve fleet reliability, reduce cost and optimise cash flows.”
With this strategic collaboration, Air India Express strengthens its operational resilience, ensuring a more reliable and cost-effective fleet management strategy for the future.
