Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines’ joint venture Vistara has signed an order with CFM for 26 LEAP-1A engines for its 13 new Airbus A320neo and ten leased aircraft.

The company ordered the 13 A320neo aircraft in July 2018 with delivery expected by the end of this month. These are in addition to 37 leased aircraft from the A320neo family.

In addition to the engine order, Vistara signed a long-term Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement for maintenance services.

Approximately 120 LEAP-1A engines installed on 60 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft are covered under the RPFH agreement. It falls under CFM’s portfolio of flexible aftermarket support packages.

Under the RPFH agreement, the services maintenance costs for the LEAP-1A engines are calculated based on a dollar per engine flight hour.

Valued at more than $2.4bn at list prices, the complete deal is a part of Vistara’s fleet expansion plan.

CFM International president and CEO Gaél Méheust said: “We are very honoured by the trust Vistara has placed in CFM with these new contracts.

“This trust is a great responsibility for CFM and we are committed to supporting Vistara’s operations and to ensure the continued smooth introduction of new LEAP-1A engines into its fleet.”

Vistara’s first LEAP-1A powered Airbus A320neo was delivered in May 2017. It also has ten leased LEAP-1A-powered Airbus A320neo aircraft already in service.

Vistara CEO Leslie Thng said: “The combination of the LEAP-1A engine and A320neo continue to deliver exceptional performance and helps Vistara maintain the highest standards of operational efficiency.

“We are happy to extend our partnership with CFM International and select the LEAP-1A engine for our new aircraft as well to support our growth plan.”