Vistara signs LOI for additional CFM LEAP-1A engines

  • Will be used to strengthen domestic network, support international expansion

FARNBOROUGH, England — 16 July 2018 — Delhi-based Vistara Airlines and CFM International today signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of 26 LEAP-1A engines to power 13 additional Airbus A320neo aircraft announced July 11 that are part of the airlines ambitious expansion program. Once finalized, the engine order will be valued at $375 million U.S. at list price. In addition, Vistara has secured agreements for 37 additional leased aircraft that will also be powered with the LEAP-1A engine. The leased aircraft orders were previously announced.

The airline, which took delivery of the first of seven LEAP-1A-powered Airbus A320neo aircraft leased from BOC Aviation in May 2017, currently operates a fleet of eight LEAP-1A-powered aircraft.

“We are delighted to further deepen our relationship with CFM as we continue to build our modern, fuel-efficient fleet to support our planned growth strategy, said Leslie Thng, CEO of Vistara.”

“We continue to be very impressed by what Vistara has been able to accomplish in just three years of operation,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “Over the past year, we have worked very closely with them to introduce the LEAP-1A engine into their fleet and are honored to play such a significant role in their long-term growth strategy.”

The LEAP engine family continues to perform exceptionally well in commercial service. There are 61 airlines currently operating more than 385 aircraft on five continents. Overall, the fleet has logged more than 700,000 flight cycles and 1.5 million engine flight hours while maintaining CFM’s industry-leading reliability and the highest utilization rate in this thrust class. The engine is delivering a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, with an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions; and lower noise and NOx emissions.