cfm leap on airbus
There’s an interesting trend in the Airbus single-aisle deliveries. From the start, A320neo deliveries favored the CFM LEAP. Since 2023, the Pratt & Whitney GTF has seen a steep decline.
.But, as readers know, the A320neo story has been evolving. There has been a steady growth in A321 interest. The following chart illustrates this.
In our view, the big takeaway is the move to more capable models. However, let’s take a moment to discuss “more capable.”
Airbus model nomenclature is not as precise as we’d like. For example, an A321-271NX is an A321 and has GTF engines. But does it have extra tanks or an Airbus Flex Cabin? Is it a “real” LR? Apparently, some airlines say they are flying an LR when it truly isn’t. The NX, therefore, appears to be a catchall. We learned that the early deliveries were the version A321neo with non-ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex), the ‘standard’ A321neo could have ACF at 89 tonnes, and the A321LR at 97 tonnes with 2-3 ACTs.
You will note the A321X in the chart, which we call the XLR, to differentiate it from the NX.
Back the A321 deliveries by engine. Whereas the LEAP leads on the A320, the GTF leads on the A321.
From the chart showing the switch to the A321 and most of these models sporting the GTF, you might think Pratt & Whitney is doing great. Well, yes, that’s true for now. Yesterday, there were seven A321 deliveries, and only one had GTFs. The first XLR delivered has LEAP power. So, the past is not necessarily a prologue.
Both engine OEMs have difficulty delivering, and delivery slots aren’t easily switched. Once an operator or lessor chooses engines, that’s it—unless there’s a very long lead time and they have excellent lawyers. This is a long game, after all.
Views: 114
