Air India finalises deal with CFM for 400 aircraft
CFM International, a US-based engine manufacturer, has announced that it has finalized an agreement with Air India for engines for 400 aircraft. The details of the agreement, such as the specific engine models and delivery timelines, have not been provided.
This agreement between Air India and CFM International signifies a significant collaboration in the aviation industry. CFM International is a leading supplier of aircraft engines and is jointly owned by General Electric (GE) and Safran Aircraft Engines. The company’s engines are known for their reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Air India, the national carrier of India, operates a diverse fleet of aircraft and serves both domestic and international destinations. The agreement with CFM International indicates Air India’s focus on ensuring the availability of high-quality engines to power its aircraft fleet.
Acquiring engines from CFM International will contribute to the operational efficiency and performance of Air India’s aircraft. Reliable and efficient engines play a crucial role in maintaining flight schedules, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing overall aircraft performance.
The agreement between Air India and CFM International demonstrates the ongoing commitment of both companies to the aviation industry. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between airlines and engine manufacturers to ensure the optimal performance and reliability of aircraft.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and expand, partnerships between airlines and engine manufacturers become crucial for meeting the growing demand for air travel. These collaborations not only support the operational needs of airlines but also contribute to the overall development and advancement of the aviation sector.
The finalized agreement between Air India and CFM International involves the use of CFM’s LEAP engines to power Air India’s new fleet of aircraft. Specifically, the LEAP engines will be utilized for the Tata Group-backed airline’s 210 Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft.
The LEAP engine is a highly regarded powerplant known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and environmental performance. It is a popular choice among airlines globally and has been widely adopted for next-generation aircraft.
By selecting the LEAP engines for its fleet, Air India aims to benefit from the improved fuel efficiency and operational performance that these engines offer. The LEAP engines are designed to deliver better fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and lower noise levels compared to previous-generation engines.
The choice of CFM International’s LEAP engines by Air India indicates the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet with state-of-the-art technology and environmentally friendly solutions. This selection aligns with industry trends towards more fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft operations.
The partnership between Air India, Tata Group, and CFM International underscores the collaborative efforts in the aviation industry to achieve greater efficiency, performance, and sustainability. The adoption of LEAP engines for Air India’s new aircraft fleet reflects the industry’s focus on embracing advanced engine technologies to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact.
In conclusion, Air India’s selection of CFM International’s LEAP engines for its new fleet of Airbus A320neo/A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft highlights the airline’s commitment to advanced technology and environmental sustainability. The LEAP engines are expected to provide improved fuel efficiency, operational performance, and reduced emissions. This collaboration between Air India, Tata Group, and CFM International demonstrates the ongoing efforts within the aviation industry to embrace more efficient and eco-friendly solutions for aircraft operations.
The initial announcement of the deal between Air India and CFM International was made in February. The agreement not only includes the procurement of CFM’s LEAP engines for Air India’s new fleet of Airbus A320neo/A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft but also encompasses a multi-year services agreement that will cover the maintenance and support of the airline’s entire fleet of LEAP engines.
Air India has a longstanding relationship with CFM International, dating back to 2002 when the airline started operating Airbus A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. In 2017, Air India expanded its fleet to include A320neo aircraft and became the first operator in India to utilize CFM’s LEAP-1A engines. Currently, Air India operates 27 A320neo family aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines.
The multi-year services agreement signed between Air India and CFM International demonstrates the airline’s trust in CFM’s expertise in engine maintenance and support. By partnering with CFM, Air India aims to ensure the reliable performance and operational efficiency of its LEAP engine-powered aircraft fleet.
This ongoing collaboration between Air India and CFM International showcases the continued partnership between the two companies and their shared commitment to delivering high-quality and technologically advanced solutions to the aviation industry.
Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, expressed confidence that the wider implementation of CFM International’s LEAP engine, along with the services agreement, will optimize the airline’s operations in terms of environmental impact and operational costs. This will ultimately benefit Air India’s customers. The introduction of the LEAP engine on a larger scale aligns with Air India’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and enhancing operational efficiency.
Gaël Méheust, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, regarded Air India’s renewed trust as a significant milestone for the company. He stated that the order strengthens CFM’s presence in India, highlighting the importance of the Indian market for the engine manufacturer.
The LEAP engine, which entered service in 2016, offers notable advantages over previous-generation engines. It promises a fuel consumption improvement of 15-20% and lower carbon emissions, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact. Additionally, the LEAP engine delivers reduced noise levels, enhancing the passenger experience and meeting stricter noise regulations.
With these features, the LEAP engine aligns with Air India’s objectives of improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring a quieter and more comfortable travel experience for its passengers.
In January 2022, the Tata Group acquired a 100% stake in Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, as part of a strategic divestment program initiated by the Indian government. This acquisition marked a significant development in the aviation industry, with the Tata Group taking over the operations of Air India.
Under a transformative plan called Vihaan.AI, Air India aims to expand its fleet size substantially, with a threefold increase, and increase its market share in both domestic and international segments. The goal is to achieve a 30% market share within a span of five years.
The Vihaan.AI plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Air India’s operations, improve its competitiveness, and position it as a leading player in the aviation market. By expanding its fleet, Air India aims to enhance its capacity to serve a broader range of destinations, meet growing demand, and improve connectivity for passengers.
The strategic acquisition by the Tata Group provides Air India with the support and resources necessary to execute its ambitious growth plans. The Tata Group, with its vast business experience and expertise in various sectors, including aviation, brings valuable insights and capabilities to the table.
With the backing of the Tata Group, Air India aims to leverage synergies, implement operational efficiencies, and enhance customer experience to strengthen its market position. The transformative plan demonstrates Air India’s determination to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
By focusing on expanding its fleet and market share, Air India seeks to capitalize on emerging opportunities and meet the evolving demands of domestic and international travelers. This strategy aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global aviation hub and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
