BOC Aviation has placed its largest engine order to date with CFM International, signing an agreement for up to 300 LEAP engines to support its expanding portfolio of next-generation narrowbody aircraft.
The agreement includes orders and purchase options for up to 200 LEAP-1A engines for the Airbus A320neo family and up to 100 LEAP-1B engines to power Boeing 737-8 aircraft in the lessor’s growing orderbook.
The transaction marks a significant milestone in BOC Aviation’s long-term fleet expansion strategy and reinforces the industry’s continued shift toward fuel-efficient, new-generation propulsion technologies.
According to the company, the LEAP engines will power a substantial proportion of its future Airbus and Boeing deliveries, supporting airline customers with modern aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and enhanced operational performance.
Steven Townend, CEO and MD of BOC Aviation, described the agreement as the company’s largest engine acquisition to date and an important investment in its future fleet. “This is our largest-ever engine transaction and it will support our growth from this decade into the next. The significant emissions reductions and lower fuel-burn characteristics of the CFM LEAP engine family align with our commitment to building one of the most environmentally friendly fleets of any major lessor,” Townend said.
For CFM International, the agreement further strengthens its long-standing relationship with one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors while reinforcing the growing market demand for LEAP-powered aircraft.
Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, said the order reflects BOC Aviation’s confidence in the LEAP engine family and the companies’ long-term partnership. “We are honoured to be such an integral part of BOC Aviation’s long-term strategy, both in terms of fleet growth and achieving its sustainability objectives. We value the strong relationship between our companies and remain committed to delivering the performance, reliability and customer support that BOC Aviation and its airline customers expect from CFM,” Méheust said.
Beyond fleet expansion, the agreement carries significant implications for the global MRO and aftermarket sector. As the installed base of LEAP-powered Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft continues to grow, demand for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, spare engine availability, component repair, digital health monitoring and long-term lifecycle support is expected to accelerate.
The expanding LEAP fleet is already driving substantial investment across the global aftermarket, including additional engine shop capacity, specialised tooling, spare parts inventories and OEM-authorised repair capabilities. Lessors are increasingly incorporating long-term engine support strategies into their fleet planning to maximise aircraft availability and protect asset values throughout the operational lifecycle.
The latest order also underscores the aviation industry’s continued transition towards next-generation propulsion systems that combine improved fuel efficiency with lower operating costs, while creating new opportunities for MRO providers to support an expanding population of technologically advanced engines.
