At the Dubai Airshow in mid-November 2025 CFM International (the 50/50 JV of GE Aerospace and Safran) confirmed a run of high-profile LEAP-1A engine orders, including Riyadh Air’s firm order for 120 LEAP-1A engines and Avolon’s order for 100 LEAP-1A engines, including spares. The agreements, announced in Safran/CFM press releases on 17-18 November, underline sustained market demand for the LEAP-1A to power A320neo-family aircraft.
What was announced
- Riyadh Air signed for 120 LEAP-1A engines to power 60 Airbus A321neo family aircraft; the ceremony took place at the Dubai Airshow on 18 Nov 2025. Safran’s press release states the deal includes spare engines and highlights an installed high-pressure turbine durability kit tailored to hot climates.
- Avolon placed a firm order for 100 LEAP-1A engines to equip 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft; CFM/Safran confirmed the order on 17 Nov 2025.
Size and significance of the deals
- The combined confirmed engine quantities announced at the show total at least 220 LEAP-1A engines (Riyadh Air 120 + Avolon 100). Industry trade press (Aviation Week, AIN, Avitrader) reported the signings as major wins for CFM/Safran at an event where OEM order activity was heavy. These orders strengthen CFM’s narrowbody engine backlog and support increased LEAP production and aftermarket services.
Why operators choose LEAP-1A
- Fuel and emissions: LEAP-1A offers significant fuel burn improvements versus prior generations, reducing CO₂ per seat and improving operating economics for the A320neo family. CFM highlights ~15% fuel savings vs legacy CFM56 engines in product literature.
- Durability kits for hot climates: Safran/CFM explicitly referenced durability improvements (HP turbine durability kit) for operations in hot environments, a key selling point for Middle Eastern operators like Riyadh Air.
Aftermarket & industrial implications (manufacturing & MRO)
- Production ramp & MRO: Safran is expanding manufacturing and MRO capacity (Morocco assembly line, India MRO facility) to support LEAP production and support needs, which aligns with increased LEAP demand. Reuters and Safran releases detail investments in Morocco and India to boost assembly and MRO throughput. Higher order intake increases spare-parts and services demand over decades, a lucrative aftermarket channel.
Timeline, quick bullet points
- 17 Nov 2025: Avolon announces firm order for 100 LEAP-1A engines (for 50 A320neos).
- 18 Nov 2025: Riyadh Air signs for 120 LEAP-1A engines (for 60 A321neos), ceremony at Dubai Airshow.
- Mid–Nov 2025: Multiple trade press outlets report strong LEAP order momentum; Safran updates production forecasts upward for 2025.
What’s next?
- Monetary disclosure: Look for Safran/CFM or customer financial filings that quantify contract values (the €1.4bn figure claimed by Reteuro should be verified against official financial disclosures if you need exact revenue recognition).
- Delivery schedule & spares: Monitor OEM delivery schedules and whether spares/ROPs are included, spares materially affect total contract value and aftermarket revenue. Safran press releases often list “including spares” when applicable.
- Industrial capacity: Track Safran’s Morocco and India investments for delivery capacity and MRO throughput that underpin these orders. Higher sustained volumes will have long-term implications for the LEAP aftermarket.
Sources
- Safran / CFM press release: Riyadh Air selects CFM LEAP engines (18 Nov 2025).
- Safran / CFM press release: Avolon selects CFM LEAP engines (17 Nov 2025).
- Business Wire / Avolon release corroboration.
- Reuters: Safran production and forecast coverage, Oct–Nov 2025.
- Reteuro summary (secondary commentary referencing the Dubai Airshow round of deals). Reteuro.co.uk
