26 January 2024 – In a groundbreaking move coinciding with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, Mumbai-based Akasa Air and CFM International have announced a monumental agreement. The deal entails the purchase of CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, a sale that had been unveiled just last week. The comprehensive agreement also encompasses spare engines and a services contract, solidifying the partnership between the Indian carrier and the world-renowned aircraft engine manufacturer.
Akasa Air, having initiated operations in August 2022, had previously ordered 76 LEAP-1B-powered 737-8 aircraft, 22 of which are already in service. Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating, “This significant, long-term agreement is testament to the confidence that CFM International has in Akasa Air. Continuing to partner with CFM as our engine maintenance provider not only reaffirms our focus on operational reliability but equally underscores Akasa Air’s relentless pursuit of world-class safety.”
Dube further emphasized the airline’s commitment to becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines globally by the end of the decade, with CFM playing a pivotal role in their journey. The collaboration extends CFM’s presence in India, with over 400 CFM-powered aircraft in service and a backlog of 2,500 LEAP engines.
The announcement also sheds light on the strategic investments made by CFM’s parent companies, GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, in India. These investments aim to establish state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to LEAP production and maintenance, aligning with India’s “Make in India” policy.
Gaël Méheust, President & CEO of CFM International, highlighted the environmental benefits of the LEAP engine family, citing a 15 to 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. “Today’s order will continue to bring these benefits to Akasa and support their continued growth, as well as play an important role in India’s economic development,” he stated.
The LEAP engine family’s impressive track record includes the fastest accumulation of flight hours in commercial aviation history, with over 45 million engine flight hours and 18.7 million flight cycles. Since its introduction in 2016, the LEAP engine has contributed to saving more than 30 million tons of CO2 compared to previous-generation engines.
Akasa Air, known as India’s most dependable airline, has positioned itself as a socially responsible carrier, evident in its firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes powered by CFM’s LEAP-1B engines. This commitment aligns with Akasa Air’s promise to operate the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies, emphasizing superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions.
As the aviation industry witnesses this monumental collaboration, it is evident that the partnership between Akasa Air and CFM International is not only a strategic move for both entities but also contributes significantly to India’s aviation landscape and its commitment to sustainable air travel.