Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, has signed an engine sale and leaseback agreement with Willis Lease Finance Corp. for 26 CFM56-7B engines on 13 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the companies announced Thursday.

The deal expands on a previous agreement signed in 2022 between Willis and Air India for 34 CFM56-5B engines used in the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet. Both arrangements are supported by Willis’ ConstantThrust® program, which offers airlines access to serviceable engines from the company’s portfolio during maintenance cycles.

Willis said the program helps reduce downtime, lower costs, and avoid the unpredictability of traditional maintenance visits. Part of the program will be managed from the company’s office in GIFT City, India.

“WLFC’s ConstantThrust® program has been successful so far for Air India, and we are pleased to expand our partnership with WLFC in support of the Air India Express fleet,” said Aloke Singh, CEO of Air India.

Brian R. Hole, president of Willis Lease Finance Corp., said the deal reflects the value Air India is seeing from the program and highlights the company’s ability to support growing airline operations in India.

Willis Lease Finance Corp., based in Florida, provides leasing and asset management services for commercial aircraft engines and related equipment worldwide.