Large Orders, That's a Real Leap

The LEAP delivers 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, compared to today’s best CFM56 engines and maintains the same level of dispatch reliability and life-cycle maintenance costs.

- R. Chandrakanth

BOEING THIS MONTH ANNOUNCED that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the 737 MAX 8 airplane powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines for commercial service. Boeing is now in the final stages of preparing for the first 737 MAX 8 delivery to customers in the coming months. “Our relationship with Boeing on the 737 goes back to more than 35 years and we are proud and honored to be part of the MAX programme,” said Gaël Méheust, CFM President and CEO. The LEAP-1 B-powered Boeing 737 MAX began flight tests in January 2016 and the engine has performed exceptionally well in more than 2,200 aircraft flight hours. CFM achieved engine certification in May 2016.

Earlier in the first week of March, Airbus announced that the A321neo powered by LEAP-1A engine had received Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and FAA, paving the way for delivery of the first A321neo equipped with the LEAP engine later this year.

“The LEAP-1A entry into service on the A320neo has been incredibly smooth,” said Gaël Méheust. “Our customers really love the fuel efficiency, reliability and low noise the engine is bringing to their fleets. We are proud to be a part of this great programme.” The LEAP-1 A-powered A320neo entered commercial service in August 2016 and nine airlines have taken delivery of a total of 72 engines to date.