RoyalJet Selects LEAP Engines for Upcoming ACJ320neos

Abu Dhabi-based aircraft charter and management provider RoyalJet has selected the CFM Leap-1A engine to power its upcoming fleet of Airbus ACJ320neos, it said this week at the Dubai Airshow. Late last year, the company placed an order worth as much as $1 billion for three Airbus ACJ320neo VVIP jets plus options for six more, the first of which is expected to be delivered next year.

The Leap turbofan—manufactured by CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines—now equips more than 4,000 aircraft. Its advanced technologies, such as composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites, allows it to deliver 15% less fuel burn and 15% lower carbon emissions than the previous generation CFM-56 engines. Its open MRO ecosystem also offers dozens of maintenance locations around the world.

“CFM International and its Leap engines have built a solid reputation for its safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency,” said Mohammed Husain Ahmed, the aircraft operator’s acting CEO. “Their impeccable track record of being the preferred engine provider for such a type of aircraft as the ACJ320neo is almost unquestionable.”

RoyalJet, which operates from its FBO facility at Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (OMAA), also announced the appointment of Alain Champonnois as v-p of commercial operations. This is the second tour with the company for Champonnois, an industry veteran for more than a quarter of a century. He previously served as its commercial director before taking on the role of Chapman Freeborn’s president and CEO for India, the Middle East, and Africa. Additionally, he has served in executive roles in the region for Jetex, Honda Aircraft, and Jet Aviation.