Airlines

Ryanair to purchase 150 LEAP-1B-powered 737-10 aircraft

In order to purchase LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, Ryanair and CFM International signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA). Along with options for 150 extra aircraft, the LoA also features spare engines.

Since 1998, Ryanair has been a client of CFM, and it currently owns and operates the largest fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737s in Europe, as well as the largest fleet of CFM-powered Boeing aircraft. The Irish-based airline currently operates a fleet of 103 LEAP-1B-powered 737-8 aircraft.

Air India places record order for more than 800 LEAP engines(Opens in a new browser tab)

The LEAP-1B engine has completed more than 4 million cycles and more than 10 million flight hours since going into service. In comparison to earlier generations of engines, the advanced CFM LEAP engine family offers over 15% better fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and a noticeable reduction in noise. The LEAP engine has enabled users to save more than 20 million tonnes of CO2 since it began operating in 2016.

Recently Ryanair Holdings placed an ordered for 300 new Boeing 737-MAX-10 aircraft (150 firm and 150 options) for delivery between 2027 to 2033.

Indigo selects CFM engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus A320neo(Opens in a new browser tab)

When finalized, and subject to all options being exercised, this deal is valued at over $40bn at current list prices and is the largest order ever placed by an Irish Company for US manufactured goods.

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.