Southwest Airlines announced the purchase of advanced CFM International LEAP-1B engines to power 100 Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft. Southwest originally launched the LEAP-1B engine on the 737 MAX in 2011, with an order for 150 jets. This new deal takes the total order to 800 LEAP engines installed on its planes.

Ten years ago, the acquisition of U.K.-based Smiths Aerospace took GE Aviation beyond the engine. The supplier of aviation systems broadened Aviation’s offerings for customers and created a more global footprint for the business.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9, powered by advanced LEAP-1B engines, last week successfully completed a two-hour, 42- minute first flight. During the mission, the airplane performed tests on flight controls, systems and handling qualities.

At a special ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) finalized its order with CFM International for LEAP-1B engines to power 25 firm Boeing 737 MAX aircraft scheduled to begin delivery in 2019. The order is valued at more than $630 million U.S. at list price. The airplane order was announced in late July.

LEAP Year may come around every four years, but advanced technology like the LEAP engine only comes around once in a generation!

On Friday, January 29, the advanced LEAP-1B engine successfully completed a two-hour, 47- minute first flight powering the new Boeing [NYSE: BA] 737 MAX.