Riyadh Air has signed a agency order for 120 CFM Worldwide LEAP-1A engines to energy its upcoming fleet of 60 Airbus A321neo household plane, marking a big step within the new Saudi nationwide provider’s growth technique.
The settlement, finalised at Dubai Airshow 2025, contains spare engines and reinforces the airline’s dedication to working a contemporary, fuel-efficient fleet.
A signing ceremony came about between Adam Boukadida, Chief Monetary Officer of Riyadh Air, and Stephane Ceuille, CEO of Safran Plane Engines.
Riyadh Air orders
The occasion was witnessed by senior executives from Riyadh Air and CFM, together with Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran.
Riyadh Air, launched in 2023 by Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is growing its fleet to assist the Kingdom’s aviation development ambitions.
The airline’s new Airbus A321neo plane will likely be geared up with CFM’s fuel-efficient LEAP-1A engines, which embody the newest high-pressure turbine sturdiness package designed to reinforce engine efficiency in scorching climates such because the Center East.
Adam Boukadida, Chief Monetary Officer of Riyadh Air, mentioned: “We’re excited to associate with CFM, the world’s main provider of engines for narrowbody plane, as we open a brand new chapter in our firm’s historical past.
“Powering our new fleet with LEAP engines is a serious asset for our operations, offering excellent gasoline effectivity, decrease noise and emissions, and enhanced sturdiness.”
Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM Worldwide, mentioned: “We’re honoured to embark on this new journey with Riyadh Air because it launches operations with the Airbus A321neo.
“By supporting Riyadh Air’s fleet introduction, we’re proud to contribute to constructing one of the vital fuel-efficient fleets within the area, whereas serving to foster a dynamic aerospace ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
Dubai Airshow 2025
Greater than 4,000 CFM LEAP engines have been delivered so far, making it the quickest manufacturing ramp-up in business aviation historical past.
The engine options superior applied sciences, together with composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites, delivering 15 per cent higher gasoline effectivity and 15 per cent decrease carbon emissions than previous-generation CFM56 engines.
Supported by superior health-monitoring programs and an open MRO ecosystem, LEAP engines supply mature reliability and allow excessive asset utilisation for narrowbody plane.
