This article is published in Aviation Daily part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through May 19, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
As Oman-based SalamAir looks to begin normalizing operations following the ceasefire in Iran, the LCC is struggling with aircraft availability as one-third of its Airbus A320neo-family fleet is grounded because of issues with their CFM International Leap-1A engines.
“The issue of engine durability and turnaround in the repair centers remains our core challenge,” SalamAir’s outgoing CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns told Aviation Week on April 10. “In detail, five Neos are grounded, 10 are operational and 12 engines are undergoing repairs.”
The airline has signed a lease agreement for two prior-generation A320s. “We take two Airbus A320ceos in May that will help the situation,” Hamilton-Manns said. The addition of older A320ceos, announced last November, should reduce its AOG (aircraft-on-ground) time and stabilize operations.
Answering a request for comment, a CFM spokesperson said, “CFM has been working to significantly increase MRO capacity through major investments aimed at building a global MRO ecosystem, reducing TAT, and accelerating upgrades to extend LEAP engine availability and time on wing for our customers.”
Aviation Week understand that the engine-maker has shipped more than 1,500 Leap-1A high-pressure turbine durability kits to customers and Reverse Bleed System retrofits have been completed on more than half of the global Leap-1A fleet.
Operational Disruption
Regarding the current situation in the region related to the Iran war, the CEO said that SalamAir’s destinations in Kuwait, Beirut, as well services to Iraq and Iran remain suspended until further notice.
“The fuel [price] spike has suppressed demand. We see a softer demand profile over the coming six weeks period. Beyond that six-week horizon it’s hard to gauge, so we review each week,” Hamilton-Manns said.
SalamAir has recently announced its on-time performance (OTP) results for the first quarter of 2026, which was impacted by several extraordinary challenges including regional airspace restrictions, airport closures because of geopolitical developments, and rerouting or diversion of aircraft. All these events led to schedule adjustments and disruptions across parts of the network, which impacted OTP. SalamAir’s OTP for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 89% and dropped to 65% in the first three months of 2026, representing a 26% decrease.
During the first quarter of 2026, SalamAir operated 5,520 flights and carried 778,410 passengers across its network.
SalamAir operates a fleet of six A320neos and nine A321neos. All 15 are powered by the Leap-1A.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comment from CFM International.
Related Content
