THE SINGLE AISLE LEADER

CFM International has a proven track record of delivering high-quality engines like the CFM56 and the LEAP-1. With the CFM RISE likely to follow, the company will probably retain its position as single-aisle market leader for the foreseeable future

- JOSEPH NORONHA

IN FEBRUARY 2023, AIR INDIA MADE THE DRAMATIC announcement that it would buy 800 CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP1B turbofan engines to power 210 Airbus A320/A321neo aircraft and 190 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This order emanating from the world's third largest and fastest-growing aviation market is one of the biggest ever commercial jet engine deals. It is proof, if proof were needed, of the continuing confidence of the world's airlines in CFM International.

CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between two of the world's leading aerospace companies - General Electric (GE) of the United States and Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) of France - accounts for about 39 per cent of the global commercial engine market. This makes it the largest such manufacturer in the world. A remarkable feature of the enduring transatlantic partnership that turns fifty next year is that its stunning success is based not on a variety of engines but on just two engine families the CFM56 and the LEAP-1. Both are meant primarily for the single-aisle airliner segment, which constitutes 80 per cent of the global commercial fleet. In fact, of India's total inventory of around 700 airliners, only 45 are twin-aisle jets, and the rest are single-aisle aircraft. CFM therefore is in a sweet spot where demand for engines continues to remain strong.

THE STORY SO FAR