Al-Qahtani Aviation (the parent company of Saudi Gulf Airlines) has signed a purchase agreement for LEAP-1A engines from CFM International to power 10 firm and 10 option A320neo Family aircraft that are scheduled to begin delivery in 2023.

The airline is also leasing another 20 LEAP-powered A320neo aircraft, with the first due to be delivered in 2020. To support its entire fleet, including the leased aircraft, the airline has also signed a 12-year Rate per Flight Hour agreement.

Sheikh Tariq Abdulhadi Al Qahtani, chairman of Al-Qahtani Aviation and Saudi Gulf Airlines, said: “We are looking forward to working with CFM with our future fleet.

The LEAP engine has gained a very good reputation for fuel efficiency, reliability and daily asset utilisation, which will be important to our operations as we support the continued development and growth of the Saudi aviation sector.”

CFM International (www.cfmaeroengines.com) is a 50/50 joint company of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

The LEAP engine family is the fastest-selling in aviation history, with more than 16,300 ‘orders and commitments’ booked to date.