Air Arabia and CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines,  have signed a comprehensive nine-year agreement under the terms of which CFM will provide time and material support for the airline’s fleet of six LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft.

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the first and largest leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa. Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320 & A321 aircraft, serving routes from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt. The agreement builds on a successful relationship with CFM that includes a fleet of 52 CFM56-powered A320ceo aircraft and 6 A321neos-LR. Air Arabia is the first LEAP-powered A321neo operator in the Middle East.

GaëlMéheust, president & CEO of CFM International, said: “We are honored by the confidence Air Arabia has placed in CFM. Air Arabia’s continued accomplishments, as perfectly illustrated by its recent raking as world’s number one on Airfinance Journal’s list of top 100 global airlines, is a direct result of its tireless commitment to excellence across its entire operations. We’re grateful to be able to contribute to their success and future developments.”

Since entering commercial service, the advanced LEAP engine has accumulated nearly 9 million engine flight hours, with more than 4,000 installed and spare engines delivered to more than 100 operators worldwide. The fleet is, demonstrating a 15 percent better fuel consumption compared to the best CFM56 engines and has maintained the industry’s highest asset utilization rates.