CFM International has won an order from Saudi Arabian Airlines for LEAP-1A engines to power its new fleet of 35 Airbus A321neo and 30 A320neo aircraft.

The agreement also includes a rate per flight hour (RPFH) services contract, as well as an additional 20 leased A320neo aircraft. It is valued at approximately US$8.5 billion at list price.

Under the terms of the agreement, CFM will also assist Saudia Group subsidiary Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) in developing its own engine overhaul services, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, testing and qualification/certification for the LEAP-1A engines.

“We have been delighted with the reliability and the best-in-class support provided by CFM over the years. 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,” said Saudi Arabian Airlines Group’s director general His Excellency Ibrahim Al-Omar.

CFM International has also finalised a multi-year RPFH agreement with Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas for the LEAP-1A engines powering the airline’s fleet of 80 A320neo aircraft. The support agreement is valued at US$4 billion at list price. CFM will guarantee maintenance costs for the airline’s 160 LEAP-1A engines on a per engine flight hour basis.

“Flynas has been a long-standing, invaluable customer. It’s an honour to grow our relationship, and we’re confident CFM aftermarket services will help facilitate further growth for our customer, now and in the future,” said CFM International’s vice president of sales & marketing Philippe Couteaux.

NAS Holding Group’s chief executive officer Bander Al Mohanna commented: “The LEAP-1A engines have performed remarkably well in our fleet. We continue to see outstanding operational reliability and efficiency, and we’re delighted to strengthen our valued relationship with CFM.”