Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has once again selected CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine to power its latest order for 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft placed in 2018. 

This agreement includes eight spare engines and SAS has signed on for a Rate-Per-Flight-Hour (RPFH) support agreement with CFM to cover the new engines. The RPFH deal includes the spares as well as 15 additional LEAP-1A-powered A320neo on lease.

“The new LEAP engines and long-term services agreement are an integral part of SAS’ strategic fleet upgrade and will continue to greatly improve our efficiency in our operations,” SAS CFO Magnus Örnberg said. 

SAS was a launch customer for CFM’s LEAP-1A engine that it selected in 2011 to power the first batch of 30 A320neo. The Star Alliance member currently operates 44 A320neos and one A321neoLR powered by the LEAP engine and plans to introduce two additional A321neoLRs. 

In total, SAS orders for purchased and leased aircraft placed in 2011 and 2018 will enable the carrier to increase its fleet of A320neos to 80 aircraft.

The airline’s stated goal is to be the industry leader in sustainable aviation; it is aiming to reduce emissions 25% by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. “This will mainly be enabled by using state of the art technologies allowing for lower fuel consumption and an increase in use of sustainable aviation fuels,” Örnberg said.

SAS has initiated the process of phasing out 21 of the older, less fuel-efficient aircraft in its fleet earlier than planned as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes 15 Boeing 737NGs, five A340-300s and one A330.