CFM LEAP-1A Powering A320neo Gains Certification

The CFM International LEAP-1A engine, one of two engine choices on the Airbus A320neo, has been jointly certified by FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Airbus is set to deliver the first A320neo -- powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines -- to Qatar Airways next month. The LEAP-1A-powered A320neo began flight testing in May.

"It has been an incredible journey for the entire CFM team to get the engine to this point," CFM EVP Francois Bastin said in a statement, adding, "The LEAP engine includes many industry first technologies and the agencies have worked with us from the beginning to validate the certification plan for these advancements."

The CFM LEAP-1B is the sole-source engine for the Boeing 737 MAX; it flew for the first time on a 747 flying testbed in April. CFM is a joint venture between GE Aviation and Snecma.

Two LEAP-1A-powered A320neo flight test aircraft have totaled more than 140 flights spanning 360 hours of flight testing. CFM EVP Allen Paxson said, "The LEAP-1A is doing extremely well in flight tests on the A320neo; the reliability we designed for this engine is definitely there."