IndiGo Continues Shift From GTF With Record CFM Leap Order

FARNBOROUGH, England—India's largest airline IndiGo has signed an agreement with CFM International that covers an order of more than 1,000 Leap-1A engines to power over 510 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, continuing the LCC's transition away from the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.

Described by CFM as the largest single order ever placed for Leap engines, the record deal for the GE Aerospace and Safran joint venture builds on a 2019 order for 280 A320neos which saw the airline switch from the geared turbofan (GTF) to the Leap-1A.

IndiGo originally selected the GTF for 150 A320neos it ordered in 2011, firming up its agreement with Pratt & Whitney in 2015. However, durability issues on top of a powder metal defect in other production engines subsequently led to the grounding of 75 IndiGo aircraft at the peak of the problems.

Although the GTF issues are gradually being resolved, IndiGo has continued its pivot to CFM for its future A320neo power requirements. The latest order completes engine selections for 135 undecided A320neo and 375 undecided A321neos. The airline currently operates 88 Leap-powered A320neos and 226 Leap-powered A321neos.

Under the terms of the latest memorandum of understanding signed July 20, CFM will also support the establishment of a new IndiGo engine MRO facility and provision a long-term material services agreement, which includes the supply of spare parts.

Commercial aircraft lessors BOC Aviation and Jackson Square Aviation have also added to the Leap backlog with orders announced on July 20. BOC Aviation revealed orders and options for up to 200 Leap-1A and 100 Leap-1B to power elements of the company’s A320neo and Boeing 737-8 orderbook, marking the lessor’s largest ever engine transaction. Jackson Square Aviation meanwhile revealed an order for Leap-1A engines to power up to 30 A320neo-family aircraft from its previously announced Airbus deal.