GECAS intends to place $2.4 billion CFM engine order for Boeing aircraft

• $1.9B order for LEAP-1B engines for 737 MAX
• Expands Next-Generation 737 fleet with $500 million order

FARBOROUGH, England - GE Capital Aviation Service, the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), today announced commitments for 75 LEAP-1B-powered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, in addition to an additional 25 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

The aircraft agreement is still being finalized with Boeing. Once this is completed, these airplanes will become firm orders on Boeings books. CFM is the sole engine supplier for all Boeing 737 aircraft sold today

In 2011, GECAS selected the LEAP-1A to power 60 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

"We are very pleased to further strengthen our relationship with GECAS," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International "We appreciate their confidence in the LEAP product line and look forwarding to delivering an exemplary product to them."

The LEAP-1B, which is the result of an exhaustive six-year collaboration effort with Boeing, is the exclusive powerplant for the new 737 variant, with the engine uniquely optimized for the airplane. The 737 MAX continues a 30-year relationship between CFM and Boeing; CFM engines have been the sole powerplant for all 737 aircraft sold since 1981.

LEAP engines incorporate technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine will combine advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology.

Both the LEAP-1B and CFM56-7B engine are a product of CFM International a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.