Air India Express signed an engine sale and leaseback agreement with Willis Lease Finance for 26 CFM56-7B engines installed on 13 of its 737-800 aircraft, the engine lessor said on March 27, 2025.
The engines are covered by the lessor's ‘ConstantThrust’ programme in which Willis Lease covers the cost and risk of engine maintenance by replacing a removed engine with a serviceable one from its portfolio.
“This agreement allows us to eliminate the uncertainties associated with engine maintenance and mitigate unpredictable costs," said Air India CEO Aloke Singh. “WLFC’s ConstantThrust program will help us improve fleet reliability, reduce cost and optimise cash flows.”
The deal adds to the one signed in 2022 by Willis Lease and the airline's parent Air India, covering 34 CFM56-5B engines installed on the airline's A320 family fleet.
“This is a great opportunity for us to continue supporting the growth of the Indian aviation industry, in general, and the Air India family of airlines, specifically,” said WLFC CEO Austin Willis.
Both programmes will be managed by WLFC's team located in GIFT City, India.