Aerospace Engine Competition
SMBC Aviation Capital Chooses CFM LEAP-1A Engines for 35 A320neo Aircraft at Farnborough
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Key Points
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SMBC Aviation Capital emphasizes its long-standing relationship with CFM International, highlighting a 25-year partnership and a large LEAP-powered fleet (SMBC manages or operates more than 750 aircraft powered by LEAP/CFM56). CFM has delivered over 10,000 LEAP engines to date.
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LEAP-1A technology enhancements continue to target uptime: CFM cites a high-pressure turbine durability kit and a reverse bleed system to extend time on wing and reduce airline maintenance burden, supported by an open MRO ecosystem for aftermarket services.
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British Airways’ Farnborough deal for Pratt & Whitney’s GTF is an engine selection tied to aircraft already in BA’s fleet plans, not a fresh order for 63 aircraft, marking the introduction of GTF to BA’s current-generation narrowbody fleet alongside LEAP-powered aircraft.
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Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine claims about 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint, with more than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft in service and an engine backlog exceeding 8,000 engines.
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The GTF Advantage is expected to enter service later in 2026, offering up to twice the time on wing, improved fuel efficiency, and greater range capability, with BA’s deliveries to commence in 2027 as part of the broader fleet expansion.
SMBC Aviation Capital has finalized a deal to power 35 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the companies announced at the Farnborough Airshow. The agreement reinforces a 25-year partnership between SMBC and CFM, with SMBC managing or operating more than 750 aircraft powered by CFM engines.
The deal arrived alongside a separate announcement from British Airways, which chose Pratt & Whitney's GTF engines for up to 63 A320neo aircraft. Together, the two deals highlight a fierce battle between the aviation industry's two dominant narrowbody engine families.
SMBC Doubles Down on CFM's LEAP-1A Technology
SMBC Aviation Capital manages one of the world's largest aircraft leasing portfolios. Its new agreement locks in LEAP-1A engines for 35 more A320neo-family jets. CFM has now delivered over 10,000 LEAP engines globally, giving the engine a vast installed base that appeals to lessors focused on resale value and maintenance support.
CFM is also pushing to keep the LEAP competitive through hardware upgrades. The company introduced a high-pressure turbine durability kit and a reverse bleed system. Both aim to extend the time an engine can stay on the wing before needing a shop visit, cutting costs for airlines and lessors alike.
British Airways Breaks Its CFM-Only Narrowbody Habit
British Airways has flown only CFM-powered A320neo and A321neo jets on its current narrowbody fleet. Its new Pratt & Whitney deal changes that. Airways Magazine reported the agreement covers 33 firm aircraft and 30 options, with deliveries starting in 2027. BA will now operate both engine families side by side.
The deal includes a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive maintenance plan from Pratt & Whitney. That package bundles engine upkeep into a predictable long-term contract, which helps airlines manage costs. Seeking Alpha noted the agreement is an engine selection tied to aircraft already in BA's fleet plans, not a fresh order for new jets.
GTF vs. LEAP: What Each Engine Claims to Offer
Pratt & Whitney's GTF uses a geared turbofan design — a gearbox connects the fan to the engine core, letting each spin at its ideal speed. The company says this cuts fuel burn by about 20% and shrinks the noise footprint by 75% compared to older engines. More than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are already in service, with a backlog exceeding 8,000 engines, according to Aerospace Global News.
CFM counters with the LEAP's proven reliability and a wide-open aftermarket — meaning airlines can choose from many independent repair shops, not just CFM's own network. The GTF Advantage, an upgraded version of the GTF, is expected to enter service later in 2026. It promises up to twice the time on wing and better fuel efficiency than today's GTF.
Farnborough Deals Signal Where Narrowbody Competition Is Headed
The back-to-back announcements at Farnborough show that airlines and lessors are not picking one engine family and walking away. SMBC sticks with CFM for fleet consistency and a giant support network. BA splits its narrowbody fleet between two suppliers, giving it bargaining power and options for future orders.
Both engine makers are investing heavily to win the next wave of orders. CFM is upgrading durability; Pratt & Whitney is readying the GTF Advantage for 2026. With airlines expanding short- to mid-range capacity worldwide, the rivalry between LEAP and GTF is only set to grow more intense.
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