FORT WORTH, USA, 20th February 2026:
American Airlines and CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, had announced that American’s future deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft will continue to be powered by the CFM LEAP-1A engine. These engines will be installed on Airbus A321neo aircraft that American ordered two years ago. As part of the expanded partnership, CFM International will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s CFM LEAP-1A engines for years to come.
The agreement was announced by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. “American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the best-performing engine in the business.”
American currently operates 84 A321neo and 5 A321XLR aircraft, with 120 A321neo and 35 A321XLR aircraft on order through 2032, all to be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. The airline also has options to purchase 116 additional A320neo family aircraft from Airbus which, if exercised, will also be outfitted with CFM LEAP-1A engines.
“We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet and appreciate their continued trust,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer at GE Aerospace. “We are committed to delivering best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as they serve more destinations for their customers.”
The airline recently debuted the A321XLR, elevating transcontinental travel. As the only U.S.-based airline to operate the aircraft, American offers customers luxurious Flagship Suite® seats, relaxing Premium Economy seats and a reimagined Main Cabin, all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity throughout the journey.
“It is highly gratifying when an airline of this stature considers CFM and its products such an integral part of its long-term fleet strategy,” said Gaël Méheust, president and chief executive officer of CFM International. “While American has seen first-hand the benefits the LEAP engine provides, our total focus is on continuing to deliver the level of quality and support American has come to expect from us.”
