Airbus Gets First LEAP Engine For A320neo

CFM International has delivered the first LEAP-1A engine to be used in the Airbus A320neo, Safran said on Friday.

The delivery is a key milestone for 42-year-old CFM, a joint venture between France's Safran and General Electric of the United States, which now faces its steepest ever challenge in raising production.

CFM has taken orders for 10,000 engines to provide power for the Airbus A320neo and will also power the competing Boeing 737 MAX.

The CFM-powered version of the A320neo is expected to enter service mid-year with an unidentified airline.

Speaking at a handover ceremony for the first non-test version of the engine in Toulouse, Safran engines chief Olivier Andries said output was on target and that CFM would produce 100 LEAP engines this year and 500 next year. The engine would be introduced with six airlines this year.

CFM aims to produce 2,000 LEAP engines in 2020.

The first Boeing 737 MAX made its maiden flight with LEAP-1B engines in February. It is due to enter service next year.

The Airbus A320neo entered service with Pratt & Whitney engines in January but deliveries have been delayed by engine software and hardware problems.