Viva Air Inks $3.2 Billion USD Deal With CFM For LEAP-1A Turbofan Engines On Its New Airbus A320neo Jets

Medellín based low-cost airline Viva Air today in its Rionegro, Colombia headquarters outside of Medellín, finalized a $3.2 billion USD deal for the purchase and maintenance of LEAP-1A turbofan engines with jet engine provider CFM International. The engines are destined for the new Airbus A320neo airplanes Viva Air has ordered,

The LEAP family of jet turbofans claims a 15% improvement in fuel consumption, compared to current generation passenger jet engines, while maintaining the same level of dispatch reliability and life-cycle maintenance costs. (click to enlarge)

The LEAP-1A engine order for the 35 new A320neo aircraft, will begin delivery in 2020, and the sale integrates a 12-year agreement with CFM’s International service unit for the maintenance of the engines. LEAP-1A engines are products of Cincinnati, Ohio based CFM International, a joint venture between US based General Electric and French manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines. Safran produces the turbofans and “cold” parts of the engine, while General Electric (GE) provides the combustion unit and high-temperature components. As of February 2019, CFM reported a backlog of 17,275 orders and commitment for the LEAP jet engine family.

Above photo: José Kling (l), vice president of sales for Latin America and the Caribbean for GE Aviation finalizes the CFM jet deal with Feliz Antelo, CEO of Viva Air (r). Photo credit Loren Moss

“This is a historic day for the Viva Air Group, we are proud to announce the partnership with CFM International. The LEAP-1A engines are the best option for our 35 new A320neo aircraft, bringing important savings in fuel and maintenance for the company that will benefit our operation and mainly our passengers through more efficient operation and more affordable prices,” said Felix Antelo, president & CEO of Viva Air.

Chaker Chahrour, vice president and general manager of sales and marketing of CFM & GE Aviation

Chaker Chahrour, vice president and general manager of sales and marketing of CFM and sister company GE Aviation, commented how “wonderful it has been to be part of this dynamic team and see the growth of Viva Air in the last seven years. We greatly appreciate the trust placed in CFM after the signing of this agreement and we hope to continue strengthening our relationships in the coming years. We believe that the LEAP-1A engines will be a key element of Viva Air’s continued growth and a valuable asset in terms of fuel efficiency and maximization of the flight hours of the A320neo fleet. ”

Viva Air, an affiliate of Irelandia Aviation, operates domestic and international flights in more than 21 destinations in Colombia and Peru. During 2019 the carrier expects to transport more than 7.5 million passengers and is incorporating 50 new Airbus A320 aircraft to its operation.