SpiceJet finalizes LEAP-1B engine order will power 42 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

HYDERABAD, India, 17^th March, 2014 — Indian low cost carrier SpiceJet today announced the purchase 42 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by CFM International's LEAP-1B engines. The engine order is valued at $1.1 billion U.S. at list price.

“We are pleased that SpiceJet has continued to place its trust in CFM,” said Gaël Meheust, vice president of Sales for CFM International. “We have built a great relationship with this airline over the years and really look forward to introducing the LEAP engine into their fleet."

SpiceJet, a long-time CFM customer, currently operates a fleet of more than 40 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft.

The first full LEAP engine began ground testing in September, two days ahead of schedule, logging a total of 310 hours and more than 400 cycles during approximately five weeks of testing. This engine launched the most extensive ground and flight test certification program in the company’s history and will encompass 60 engine builds over the next three years and will accumulate approximately 40,000 cycles before entry into service.

The LEAP-1B is the sole powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX, which has garnered orders for more than 1,800 aircraft to date.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programs. It will provide 15 percent better fuel consumption and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with dramatic reductions in engine noise and emissions. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.