The aircraft-engine deal follows the airline’s previous aircraft order and underlines its ambition to deploy a fuel-efficient narrow-body fleet suitable for operations from the Kingdom’s hot climate. The LEAP-1A engine features enhanced durability high-pressure turbine hardware, specifically targeted at environments such as the Middle East.
At the signing, Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, described the engine choice as “a major asset for our operations, providing outstanding fuel efficiency, lower noise and emissions, and enhanced durability.” Gaël Méheust, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, added the collaboration will contribute to “building one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the region” while supporting a developing aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom.
The engine manufacturer is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines and its LEAP engine family has recorded more than 4 000 aircraft deliveries to date, marking one of the fastest ramp-ups in commercial aviation history.
Riyadh Air, established by the Kingdom’s sovereign investment fund, the Public Investment Fund, plans to become a digitally-led full-service global carrier, adopting advanced fleet and connectivity features with a target of serving more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Analysts say the engine selection is strategically significant in several respects. First, it locks in narrow-body engine supply for a large launch fleet, reducing risk of disruption in one of the most competitive sectors of aviation. Second, CFM’s maturity of LEAP-1A—compared with alternative powerplants—means Riyadh Air inherits proven reliability and asset-utilisation credentials. According to data, the LEAP family is about 15 per cent more fuel efficient and emits 15 per cent less carbon than predecessor CFM56 engines.
Third, the pairing of modern aircraft with advanced engines reinforces the Kingdom’s ambition to transform its aviation sector under the Vision 2030 roadmap, with Riyadh seeking to become a key air-hub linking global markets. The fact the deal was signed at a high-profile global airshow underscores the international dimension of the strategy.
However, the contract raises questions about Riyadh Air’s wider delivery schedule and fleet mix. The 60 A321neo aircraft constitute one pillar of the airline’s rollout, but how the airline will integrate these with its wide-body network and route expansion remains to be seen. The airline’s announcement of a separate order for wide-body aircraft powered by a different engine maker signals a complex fleet strategy that must be executed across multiple suppliers and aircraft types.
From CFM’s perspective, the deal further consolidates LEAP-1A’s dominance in the narrow-body engine market. Industry data suggest the LEAP family has captured about 75 per cent of A320neo-family engine selections. The spares component of the agreement—including the engines and associated support—positions the manufacturer to offer lifecycle services that drive recurring revenue beyond the initial hardware sale.
The announcement also carries environmental implications. With aviation under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the engine’s efficiency gains and suitability for high-temperature operations offer both operational cost savings and emissions reduction potential. Riyadh Air is likely to leverage this in its brand positioning as a modern, high-performance carrier.
Nonetheless, questions remain about supply-chain constraints and delivery timings. Aircraft manufacturers and engine makers have been managing bottlenecks due to global logistics, commodity prices and labour shortages. Riyadh Air’s ability to meet its launch targets will depend in part on timely engine and airframe delivery as well as certification and operational readiness. The hot climate in the region places additional demands on performance and maintenance regimes, and success will require diligent oversight.
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