Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has placed an order with CFM International to buy 58 LEAP-1A engines to power its new fleet of 29 Airbus aircraft.

Valued at around $1.9bn at list prices, the engines will be utilised to propel 17 Airbus A321neo and 12 A320neo planes.

Gulf Air will also take delivery of seven spare engines to support its fleet operations, as part of the new deal.

“Our selection of this engine for our incoming Airbus aircraft is significant, reflecting the reliability and expertise afforded by CFM products.”

A ten-year rate per flight hour (RPFH) agreement is also included to service the Gulf Air aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines.

Gulf Air deputy CEO Waleed Alalawi said: “CFM International are a key and long-standing partner for Gulf Air, with whom the airline has worked closely for over two decades.

“Our selection of this engine for our incoming Airbus aircraft is significant, reflecting the reliability and expertise afforded by CFM products.”

Gulf Air currently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus A320ceo aircraft equipped with CFM56-5B engines and expects to receive 17 new Airbus A321neo and 12 A320neo aircraft, as well as ten Boeing wide-body aircraft early next year.

CFM International’s LEAP engine began commercial operations last year.

The engine is designed to provide a 15% improvement in fuel-efficiency, with an equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Last week, CFM International signed an agreement with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) subsidiary ICBC Financial Leasing for the sale of 80 LEAP-1B engines that will power 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.