Airlines

Air India places record order for more than 800 LEAP engines

Air India and CFM International have signed an agreement for the largest-ever CFM LEAP engine order. CFM will exclusively power the airline’s newly-announced fleet of 210 Airbus A320/A321neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft.

Air India’s firm order for 800 LEAP engines includes 420 LEAP-1A, 380 LEAP-1B, plus spares. Air India also signed a CFM services contract.

“CFM has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and we are delighted to take it to a higher level with this significant order for new engines. They will help power a key part of Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation plan, by dramatically expanding our fleet and global network,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India.

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Air India has been a CFM customer since 2002, when the airline began operating Airbus A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. In 2017, Air India began operating A320neos, becoming the first LEAP-1A-powered operator in India.

The LEAP engine family has achieved one of the fastest accumulations of flight hours in commercial aviation history, amassing more than 27 million engine flight hours and 11 million flight cycles. LEAP operators are reporting more than 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions compared to the latest production of CFM56 engines, resulting in an average of more than 17 million tons of CO2 emissions reductions.

CFM is supporting industry initiatives to approve and adopt 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). LEAP engines are compatible with currently approved 50% SAF blends and have successfully flown multiple demonstration flights with 100% SAF.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.