Last month, India’s SpiceJet and CFM International (www.cfmaeroengines.com) signed a $12.5 billion agreement that finalised the purchase of LEAP-1B engines to power 155 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, along with spare engines to support the fleet.

The airline also signed a 10-year Rate per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement with CFM Services; this covers all LEAP-1B engines powering SpiceJet’s 737 MAX airplanes.

Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director of SpiceJet, said: “We are looking forward to introducing the new LEAP-1B into our fleet.

"The CFM56 engines we currently operate have been a highly valued asset for us over the years. From what we have seen so far, the LEAP-1B is living up to its promises for efficiency and reliability.”

SpiceJet, a long-time CFM customer, currently operates a fleet of 38 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next Generation
737 family aircraft.

LEAP-1B engines are made by CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines. The LEAP engine family is the fastest-selling in aviation history, with more than 14,300 orders received up to January 2018.