26 Feb 2026
#4 February 2026: North American Aviation Newsletter
American Airlines Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for A321neo Expansion
American Airlines confirmed that its future Airbus A321neo deliveries will continue to be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. The engines will equip aircraft ordered two years ago, with CFM International also providing long-term maintenance support under the expanded agreement.
American currently operates 84 A321neo and 5 A321XLR aircraft, with 120 A321neo and 35 A321XLR aircraft on order through 2032. The airline also retains options for an additional 116 A320neo family aircraft, which would also be powered by LEAP-1A engines if exercised. The selection reinforces American’s long-standing relationship with CFM and GE Aerospace as it advances fleet modernisation plans.
Aviation Capital Group to Acquire 24-Aircraft Portfolio from Avolon
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) signed definitive agreements to acquire a 24-aircraft portfolio from Avolon. The portfolio includes 18 narrowbody aircraft, 12 of which are new-technology types, and six new-technology widebody aircraft.
As of 1 February 2026, the portfolio has an average age of approximately 4.5 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.9 years. The aircraft are leased to 17 airlines across 16 countries, including four new customers for ACG. The transaction supports ACG’s strategy of scaling its portfolio while maintaining a young and fuel-efficient fleet profile.
United Airlines Selects GE Aerospace GEnx Engines for Boeing 787 Fleet
United Airlines selected 300 GE Aerospace GEnx engines to power its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including additional spare engines. The agreement brings United’s 787 fleet to more than 200 GEnx-powered aircraft, making it the largest GEnx operator globally.
The GEnx engine family is positioned as delivering high reliability and extended time on wing, supporting United’s long-haul fleet growth and operational performance objectives.
Acumen’s Take
On American’s Engine Continuity Strategy
Standardising engine selection across the A321neo and A321XLR fleet enhances maintenance efficiency, simplifies supply chains and strengthens long-term cost predictability. Engine commonality remains a critical lever in narrowbody fleet economics.
On ACG’s Portfolio Scale-Up
Acquiring young, long-leased assets at scale reinforces balance sheet resilience and cashflow visibility. Proactive trading between major lessors reflects continued secondary market liquidity in new-technology platforms.
On United’s GEnx Commitment
Large-scale engine commitments signal confidence in widebody demand recovery. Securing spare engine coverage alongside fleet growth underlines the increasing emphasis airlines place on reliability and asset availability.
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