Saudi low-cost airline flynas has signed a $6.3 billion deal with DFM International to acquire new engines for its fleet. Flynas’ agreement includes the acquiring of LEAP-1A engines to power the incoming fleet of 80 A320-neo aircraft ordered by flynas, scheduled to be delivered from 2018 onwards.

The agreement also comprises an associated long-term maintenance and service agreement for the A320 new aircraft fleet with CFM.

Ayed Al Jeaid, chairman of Flynas Company said: “It is highly gratifying to come into partnership with CFM in efforts to continue our strategic development. CFM’s proven success and performance over the years, comes as an essential component of our agreement with Airbus to purchase 80 confirmed order and 40 optional of A320-neo aircraft.

“Our ambitious vision for growth and expansion will be supported by this partnership and further enable our plans to push boundaries as the leading low cost carrier in the Middle East and the region.”

Bander Al Mohanna, CEO, Flynas Company added: “Equipping our incoming A320neo fleet with LEAP-1A26 engines offers incomparable efficiency and a low-cost structure for operating in environments with high temperatures in the region.

“This partnership not only gives us the confidence in continuing to provide the best on-time services to our guests but also enables us to strengthen our offerings domestically and internationally.”

“It is an honour to extend our partnership with Flynas by providing the LEAP-1A engine,” said Philippe Couteaux, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Safran/CFM International.

“We look forward to bringing them all the benefits of the advanced LEAP engine to its fleet as part of the airline’s continuous growth in the Middle East.”

Flynas’ rapid growth saw it carry over 6.4 million passengers in 2017, a 17 percent annual increase since 2010. Established in 2007, flynas operates over 1,100 flights weekly to 17 domestic destinations and 53 international destinations.