Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (SAUDIA) signed a purchase deal with CFM International for 149 LEAP-1A engines to power its fleet of 30 Airbus A320neo and 35 A321neo aircraft. The agreement is valued at $8.5 billion at the list price. The purchase agreement also includes services for both new and old engines.
“We have been delighted with the reliability and the best-in-class support provided by CFM over the years,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines Group. “We look forward to introducing further LEAP engines into our fleet and we believe that this engine will be a real asset in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”
Currently, the airline has a total of 154 aircraft in its fleet, according to Planespotters.net. SAUDIA’s fleet comprises 46 Airbus A320s, 39 Boeing 777s, 32 Airbus A330s, 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 15 Airbus A321s, and four Boeing 747 aircraft.
According to the statement, Saudi Arabian Airlines operates 61 CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320ceos and A321ceo aircraft. In addition, SAUDIA’s low-cost arm flyadeal operates 11 CFM56-5B-powered A320ceos and five A320neos powered with LEAP-1A engines.