At the Dubai Airshow, Middle Eastern low-cost carrier Air Arabia solidified the future of its growing fleet by signing a services agreement with CFM International. The contract extends CFM’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support to cover the LEAP-1A engines powering Air Arabia’s six Airbus A321neo LR aircraft.
The agreement, signed by senior executives from both companies, deepens a partnership that began in 2003 when Air Arabia launched operations with CFM56-5B powered A320s. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, stated the deal “reinforces Air Arabia’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth,” directly supporting engine utilization, durability, and fleet-wide efficiency.
Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, responded, “We are honored by Air Arabia’s trust… This strengthens our commitment to providing world-class support to maximize the utilization of their LEAP fleet throughout the product lifecycle.”
This endorsement is significant for CFM’s LEAP engine family, which has now surpassed 90 million flight hours globally. The advanced LEAP engines offer a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to their CFM56 predecessors, alongside a notable noise reduction—key factors for airlines focused on economics and environmental responsibility.
The timing of the agreement is also strategic. In 2024, CFM introduced a new high-pressure turbine durability enhancement kit designed to increase an engine’s time on wing, particularly in challenging operating environments like the Middle East. This upgrade directly addresses the region’s harsh conditions, promising lower operating costs and improved reliability for carriers like Air Arabia.
Air Arabia’s current fleet stands at 81 aircraft (71 A320ceo and 10 A321neo), with a massive pending order for 116 additional LEAP-powered A320neo family jets. This new services pact ensures a supported and efficient pathway for integrating these future aircraft, underpinning the airline’s ambitious expansion plans with a focus on long-term operational stability and cost predictability.
