AirFrance-KLM chooses CFM engines for their new Airbus A320neo

The new Airbus A320neos and A321neos that will enter service with KLM and Transavia from 2023 will be fitted with CFM engines. Air France-KLM announced Monday evening that it would negotiate exclusively with the American-French company.

At the end of last year it was announced that both KLM and the Dutch and French divisions of Transavia are switching from the Boeing 737 to the Airbus A320neo series. An order was placed for 100 airplanes, with an option for another 60.

Customers for the A320neo family have a choice of two engine types: CFM's LEAP-1A, which is a combination of American General Electric and French Safran, and Pratt & Whitney's PW1127G.

For KLM technicians, the choice for CFM seems good news, since the Boeing 737s are already equipped with engines from that manufacturer, the CFM56 to be precise. When asked, the NVLT trade union said it was pleased with the decision, which ensures that the maintenance department at Schiphol can continue to work on the engines of the KLM fleet.