European airline easyJet has confirmed that CFM LEAP-1A engines will power its upcoming order of 157 A320neo family aircraft, with additional powerplants taking the total deal with CFM to over 300 units.
The aircraft order (announced in 2023) comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo types, due to be delivered from 2029 along with spare engines and a multi-year services agreement.
The order strengthens a partnership of over 25 years between easyJet and engine manufacturer CFM. The airline currently operates 257 A320ceos powered by CFM56-5B engines and 69 A320neos utilizing LEAP-1A powerplants.
“easyJet has a long history working with CFM,” explained easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren, who also described the selection process as “competitive”. He added that the new agreement “will provide important environmental benefits through a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in noise”. The advanced CFM LEAP engine family provides 15-20% better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, notes its manufacturer.