American Airlines Chooses CFM International for New Airbus A321neo Engines

• The engine selection applies to 85 A321neo jets from American's March 2024 order of 260 total aircraft, with the remainder split between Boeing and Embraer
• CFM International competes with RTX unit Pratt & Whitney to supply engines for Airbus narrowbody aircraft
• Airlines typically favor single engine types across fleet segments to simplify operations and reduce costs; financial terms were not disclosed

American Airlines Selects CFM International Engines for Airbus A321neo Fleet

American Airlines announced Thursday it has chosen CFM International's LEAP-1A engines to power future deliveries of its Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft. The decision follows the carrier's March 2024 order for 260 new aircraft, which included 85 A321neo jets, with remaining orders split between Boeing and Brazil's Embraer.

Key Players:

CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran, will supply the engines while competing against RTX's Pratt & Whitney unit for Airbus narrowbody engine contracts. Under the agreement, CFM will also provide long-term maintenance support for the engines.

Strategic Rationale:

American Airlines' existing A321neo fleet already operates on CFM LEAP engines, making this selection strategically consistent. Airlines typically standardize engine types across fleet segments to simplify operations and reduce costs, a principle driving this decision.

Financial Terms:

The companies did not disclose financial details of the agreement.

Market Implications:

This contract strengthens CFM International's position in the competitive narrowbody engine market and reinforces its relationship with American Airlines, one of the world's largest carriers. The deal represents a significant win for the GE Aerospace-Safran partnership over rival RTX. For American Airlines, maintaining engine consistency across its A321neo fleet should yield operational efficiencies and cost savings through standardized maintenance, training, and spare parts inventory. The announcement comes as airlines continue modernizing fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft amid ongoing industry recovery and sustainability pressures.