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- American and CFM are building on a multidecade relationship that supports
American’s narrowbody fleet.
- The engine order will power the Airbus A321neo aircraft ordered by
American in March 2024.
- CFM will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s CFM
LEAP-1A engines, providing predictable and cost-effective servicing over the
life of the engines.
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines today announced that
its future deliveries of Airbus A321neos will continue to be powered by the CFM
LEAP-1A engine from CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and
Safran Aircraft Engines. These engines will be installed on the Airbus A321neos
that American ordered two years ago. As part of the expanded partnership, CFM
International will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s CFM
LEAP-1A engines for years to come.
“American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace-powered mainline and
regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s
aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century,” said
American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power
our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet
investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the
best-performing engine in the business.”
The financial terms and conditions of the CFM LEAP-1A engines purchase and
long-term maintenance agreement have not been disclosed.
“We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet, and
appreciate their continued trust,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer at GE Aerospace. “We are committed to delivering
best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as
they serve more destinations for their customers.”
American has the youngest fleet of the legacy U.S. carriers, with 84 A321neos and five A321XLRs in its fleet, with an additional
120 A321neos and 35 A321XLRs on order through 2032, all to be powered by CFM
LEAP-1A engines. American also has options to purchase 116 additional A320
family aircraft from Airbus which, if exercised, will also be outfitted with
the CFM LEAP-1A engine.
The airline recently debuted the A321XLR, elevating transcontinental travel.
As the only U.S.-based airline to operate the aircraft, American offers
customers luxurious Flagship Suite® seats, relaxing Premium Economy
seats and a reimagined Main Cabin, all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and
complimentary seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity throughout the
journey.
American first selected the CFM LEAP-1B engine in 2011 when it announced its
purchase of 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline currently has 93 Boeing
737 MAX aircraft in operation with an additional 125 on order. The relationship
expanded three years later when American chose the LEAP-1A engine for its order
of A321neos.
CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp-up in commercial aviation
history. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix
composites deliver an engine that is 15% more fuel efficient, with 15% lower
carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health
monitoring systems and an open MRO ecosystem, CFM LEAP engines offer mature
reliability and enable high asset utilization for narrowbody aircraft.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to
the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern
United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to
more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200
million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000
aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of
caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026,
reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever
ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American
introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and
the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer
experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the
oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900
destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.
About CFM International
A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM
International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the
course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the
world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line
that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and
optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of
engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. www.cfmaeroengines.com