LEAP-1A

China-based Zhejiang Loong Airlines has selected CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines for its nine Airbus A320neo airliners.

The engine order is valued at $260m at list prices, including spare engines.

Based in Hangzhou in Eastern China, Zhejiang Loong Airlines commenced commercial operations in December 2013.

The carrier currently operates a fleet of nine Airbus A320 aircrafts.

Zhejiang Loong Airlines chairman Liu Qihong said: "We chose the LEAP engine because of its fuel efficiency, which will not only keep our costs in check, but also help to protect the environment with fewer emissions.

"We look forward to introducing it into our fleet.

"The LEAP engine is claimed to offer improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, as well as significant reductions in engine noise and emissions."

"We are learning about the reliability and world-class support CFM provides through our CFM56-5B fleet. We are looking forward to introducing the LEAP engine in the next few years."

Compared to other existing CFM engines, the LEAP engine is claimed to offer improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, as well as significant reductions in engine noise and emissions.

CFM International is a 50-50 joint venture of GE Aviation and Snecma.

The company recently completed the maiden flight of the LEAP engine, on-board a modified 747 flying testbed.

LEAP is offered in three variants and the engine programme is on track to receive certification for the LEAP-1A/1C variants in 2015.

Image: The first A320neo jetliner to fly lifts off the ground at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Photo: courtesy of Ramadier/Airbus S.A.S.

Defence Technology