May 8 (Reuters) - AerCap Holdings NV ( AER ) has placed

an order for 150 new CFM LEAP engines valued at about $3

billion, the world's largest aircraft lessor said on Wednesday.

The CFM engines are made by a joint venture between General

Electric Co ( GE ) and France's Safran SA.

The engines will be managed by SES, a 50-50 joint-venture

company between Safran and AerCap ( AER ).

AerCap's ( AER ) announcement comes ahead of its investor day

presentation later on Wednesday.

The company's board has also authorized a new $500 million

share repurchase program through Dec. 31.