AirAsia X is set to purchase GE Aviation’s CF6-80E1 engines to power the Malaysian carrier’s 25 new firm Airbus A330-300 aircraft, along with options for further three A330 aircraft, in a deal valued at more than $1.5bn.

These engines will be covered under a multi-year OnPointSM solution service agreement for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul.

OnPoint services may include overhaul, on-wing support, new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics as well as integrated systems.

"Our fleet size has reached sufficient scale to support two engine types, with sufficient spare engine coverage, specialist engineers and technicians, and strong on-site service commitment from both engine providers."

Speaking at the signing ceremony AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said GE was selected based on technical reliability and fuel efficiency performance.

"With this order, GE will become AirAsia X’s second core engine supplier," Fernandes said. "Our fleet size has reached sufficient scale to support two engine types, with sufficient spare engine coverage, specialist engineers and technicians, and strong on-site service commitment from both engine providers."

GE’s CF6 engine family is currently powering more than ten models of wide-body aircraft, with over 395 million flight-hours in service with more than 200 operators across the globe.

More than 560 CF6-80E1 engines have been delivered for the Airbus A330 aircraft to date.

Speaking on the development, GE Aviation global sales and marketing vice-president and general manager Kevin McAllister said: "AirAsia Group is a leading low-cost carrier with domestic, regional and international operations, and CF6 engines will support its competitive international cost position."

Defence Technology