Etihad announces order for 52 CFM engines for A321NEO

Etihad Airways has announced an order with CFM International for 52 LEAP-1A engines to power 26 new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
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The order, unveiled today at the Dubai Air Show 2013, includes a 15-year Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement, under which CFM International will guarantee maintenance costs on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.  

The LEAP-1A engines will be fitted onto 26 A321neo aircraft, which form part of a US$ 26.9 billion order with Airbus also announced today by Etihad Airways. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to commence from 2020.  

James Hogan, President and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways prides itself on operating modern, state-of-the-art and highly efficient aircraft, with the Airbus A320 family at the heart of our narrow-body fleet. 

“Through the introduction of brand new Airbus A320neo family aircraft, we will benefit from even lower fuel consumption and environmental impact on short-haul and medium-haul flights. Much of these operational improvements will derive from the advanced LEAP-1A engine, which has been meeting all performance targets.”