In a significant move for its launch operations, Riyadh Air has finalized a firm order for 120 CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The agreement, signed today at the Dubai Airshow, will power the airline’s incoming fleet of 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft, a deal initially announced in 2023. The contract also includes an allocation for spare engines.
The signing ceremony brought together Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, and Stéphane Cueille, CEO of CFM parent company Safran Aircraft Engines. The event was attended by senior leadership, including Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, and Safran’s CEO, Olivier Andriès.
As a new premium international carrier established under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, Riyadh Air has selected the advanced LEAP-1A engine for its efficiency and performance. The engines specified will feature the latest high-pressure turbine durability kit, a critical enhancement designed to extend operational life and improve reliability in the demanding Middle Eastern climate.
Adam Boukadida emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “We are excited to partner with CFM, the world’s leading supplier of engines for narrowbody aircraft. Powering our new fleet with LEAP engines is a major asset, providing outstanding fuel efficiency, lower noise and emissions, and enhanced durability.”
Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, stated: “We are honored to embark on this new journey with Riyadh Air. By supporting its fleet introduction, we are proud to contribute to building one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the region and to fostering a dynamic aerospace ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
The CFM LEAP engine family, with over 4,000 units delivered, is renowned for its rapid adoption in commercial aviation. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites, the LEAP-1A offers a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous-generation engines. Supported by sophisticated health monitoring systems and a robust maintenance network, the engines deliver proven reliability, ensuring high operational availability for Riyadh Air’s future narrowbody operations.
