Air Arabia and CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines, have signed a comprehensive nine-year contract under the terms of which CFM will provide time and material support for the airlines fleet of six LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft.

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the first and biggest leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa. Air Arabia started operations in October 2003 and presently operates a fleet of Airbus A320 & A321 aircraft, serving routes from five hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt. The agreement builds on a fruitful relationship with CFM that includes a fleet of 52 CFM56-powered A320ceo aircraft and 6 A321neos-LR. Air Arabia is the first LEAP-powered A321neo operator in the Middle East.

Gal Mheust, president & CEO of CFM International, said: We are privileged by the confidence Air Arabia has placed in CFM. Air Arabias continual accomplishments, as perfectly illustrated by its latest raking as worlds number one on Airfinance Journals list of top 100 international airlines, is a direct result of its determined commitment to excellence across its entire operations. Were thankful to be able to contribute to their accomplishment and future developments.

Since entering commercial service, the advanced LEAP engine has accumulated nearly 9 million engine flight hours, with more than 4,000 installed and spare engines delivered to more than 100 operators worldwide. The fleet is, demonstrating a 15 percent better fuel consumption compared to the best CFM56 engines and has maintained the industrys highest asset utilization rates.