RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air has ordered 120 CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power the 60 Airbus A321neo family aircraft it purchased last year.
The airline said the new A321neo fleet will be equipped with CFM’s fuel-efficient LEAP-1A engines, which feature a high-pressure turbine durability kit designed to extend engine life in hot operating environments such as the Middle East, according to a press release.
The order supports the Kingdom’s targets to handle 330 million passengers annually across 250 destinations by the end of the decade, and transport 4.5 million tonnes of cargo.
It also follows a strong year for the aviation sector in 2024, when passenger numbers hit 94 million — a 15 percent year-on-year increase — alongside a 10 percent rise in flight activity and a 52 percent jump in air cargo to nearly 1 million tonnes.
Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer of Riyadh Air, said: “We are excited to partner with CFM, the world’s leading supplier of engines for narrowbody aircraft, as we open a new chapter in our company’s history.”
He added: “Powering our new fleet with LEAP engines is a major asset for our operations, providing outstanding fuel efficiency, lower noise and emissions, and enhanced durability.”
The technology is expected to deliver lower fuel burn, reduced emissions and improved reliability.
Gael Meheust, president and CEO of CFM International, said: “We are honored to embark on this new journey with Riyadh Air as it launches operations with the Airbus A321neo.”
He added: “By supporting Riyadh Air’s fleet introduction, we are proud to contribute to building one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the region, while helping foster a dynamic aerospace ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
