CFM and SMBC Aviation Capital Strengthen Long-Term Partnership Through A320neo Engine Agreement

CFM and SMBC Aviation Capital Strengthen Long-Term Partnership Through A320neo Engine Agreement

(IN BRIEF) SMBC Aviation Capital has finalised an agreement with CFM International for LEAP-1A engines to power 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The Dublin-based aviation finance platform has worked with CFM for 25 years and currently owns and manages more than 750 aircraft powered by LEAP and CFM56 engines, either in service or on order. SMBC Aviation Capital said the order supports customer demand for improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise and lower emissions, while helping the company transition its portfolio toward newer-generation aircraft engines.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 20-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — SMBC Aviation Capital has finalised an agreement with CFM International for LEAP-1A engines to power 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

The Dublin-based aviation finance platform is a long-standing CFM customer and currently owns and manages a fleet of more than 750 aircraft powered by LEAP and CFM56 engines, either in service or on order.

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said the agreement builds on the company’s 25-year partnership with CFM International.

“We are very pleased to build on our 25-year partnership with CFM International with this order for further LEAP-1A engines for our A320neo family aircraft,” said Barrett.

He added that airline customers are prioritising the fuel-efficiency improvements, reduced noise and lower emissions offered by the CFM LEAP engine family.

Barrett said transitioning SMBC Aviation Capital’s portfolio to aircraft powered by the latest generation of engines supports the company’s commitment to helping the aviation industry on its decarbonisation journey.

Gaël Méheust, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, said the company values SMBC Aviation Capital’s continued confidence in its products.

“Our focus remains on delivering engines that support the long-term profitability of their airline customers, and we look forward to strengthening this important relationship for years to come,” said Méheust.

CFM said the LEAP engine family has achieved the fastest production ramp-up in commercial aviation history, with more than 10,000 engines delivered to date.

The company continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine durability kit, designed to extend time on wing, and a reverse bleed system, intended to reduce airline maintenance requirements.

CFM said it remains focused on delivering high engine availability through strong maintenance, repair and overhaul performance, competitive cost of ownership and the benefits of aftermarket competition through its open MRO ecosystem.

The agreement reinforces the long-standing relationship between SMBC Aviation Capital and CFM International, while supporting the continued transition of aircraft leasing portfolios toward more efficient, lower-emission engine technology.

About SMBC Aviation Capital 

SMBC Aviation Capital is the leading global aviation finance platform, servicing a fleet of 1,700 aircraft with more than 170 airlines globally. Benefiting from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/

About CFM International

A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. www.cfmaeroengines.com

Media Contacts:

Charlène Collard
+33 6.76.34.69.52
charlene.collard@safrangroup.com

Nathan P. Hicks
+1 513 283 7495
nathan.hicks@geaerospace.com

SOURCE: CFM International