1,000 Engines: IndiGo seals the biggest LEAP deal ever signed
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IndiGo on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CFM International for an order of more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, marking the largest single order for LEAP engines and a record for the engine manufacturer.
The LEAP-1A is CFM International’s latest-generation fuel-efficient turbofan engine used on Airbus A320neo family aircraft and has become one of the world’s most widely deployed commercial jet engines.
The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, also covers support for IndiGo’s upcoming engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and a long-term material services agreement, including the supply of spare parts, as the airline prepares for its next phase of expansion.
The country’s largest airline said the partnership would support future deliveries of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft and strengthen fleet reliability as it expands its domestic and international network.
“As IndiGo embarks on its next phase of growth towards becoming a truly global airline, we are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with CFM International,” Willie Walsh, CEO-designate, IndiGo, said.
“The LEAP engine’s industry-leading proven reliability makes it the ideal choice to support our scale, operational resilience and sustainability ambitions,” he added.
CFM International said the deal builds on a decade-long relationship with the airline. GE Aerospace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer H. Lawrence Culp Jr. said LEAP engines are now delivering “up to twice the time on wing in hot and harsh operating environments” while continuing to provide fuel efficiency and reliability.
“As we continue to strengthen the programme to best serve our customers, GE Aerospace is also proud to build on more than 40 years of support for India’s aviation sector,” Culp said, pointing to the company’s manufacturing operations in Pune and engineering presence in Bengaluru.
Safran chief executive officer Olivier Andriès said the agreement reflects the long-standing partnership between the two companies and underlines India’s growing importance in global aviation.
He said Safran would continue investing in LEAP engine production and MRO capabilities in India to support IndiGo’s expansion while contributing to the development of the country’s aerospace industry.
IndiGo currently operates a fleet of over 430 aircraft, serves more than 140 destinations across India and overseas, and carried over 123 million passengers in FY26. The airline said the latest agreement would support its expanding fleet while helping improve engine availability and maintenance efficiency.
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd shares ended 0.29% lower at ₹5,233.50 apiece on the NSE on Monday. The stock has declined more than 10% over the past one year, underperforming the benchmark Nifty 50, which has fallen nearly 3% during the same period.