IndiGo Signs Record Deal for 1,000 Engines
IndiGo has signed a memorandum of understanding with CFM International for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines, marking the engine manufacturer’s largest single order. The engines will power 510 Airbus A320neo family aircraft scheduled to join the airline’s expanding fleet.
IndiGo CFM Engine Order
The preliminary agreement was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. It covers engines for Airbus A320neo and A321neo family aircraft, including planes from IndiGo’s record order for 500 narrow-body jets placed in 2023.
Financial details were not disclosed. CFM International is jointly owned by US-based GE Aerospace and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. IndiGo has worked with CFM since 2016 and selected LEAP-1A engines for part of its A320neo family fleet in 2019.
The agreement remains subject to the completion of a definitive purchase contract.
LEAP Engines for Airbus Fleet
LEAP-1A engines are designed for Airbus A320neo family aircraft and offer improved fuel efficiency compared with earlier-generation engines. IndiGo said the selection would support operational reliability, fleet expansion and its longer-term sustainability objectives.
CFM currently supports more than 375 A320 and A321 family aircraft in IndiGo’s fleet. India has also become the company’s third-largest market, with five domestic airlines operating over 400 LEAP-powered aircraft and approximately 2,000 engines on order.
IndiGo Plans New MRO Facility
The MoU extends beyond the engine purchase. CFM will help IndiGo establish an engine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Bengaluru, strengthening the airline’s in-house maintenance capabilities.
A proposed long-term material services agreement will include spare-parts supplies and related support for the growing fleet. The facility could help IndiGo improve maintenance planning and reduce its dependence on overseas engine-repair capacity as aircraft deliveries increase.
