Interjet, one of Mexico's leading domestic airlines, today announced it
has selected CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engine to power its
new fleet of 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft CFM values the order,
including the long-term support package, at $2.9 billion U.S. at list
price. The aircraft were originally announced in November 2012.
Under the terms of the Rate per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement, CFM will
guarantee maintenance costs for all 80 LEAP-1A engines on a dollar per
engine flight hour basis.
“We have a fantastic relationship with CFM and nothing but praise for
the CFM56-5B engines currently in our fleet,” said Jose Luis Garza
Alvarez, the airline's chief executive officer. “The LEAP-1A engine was
the obvious choice to power our A320neos. We know that this engine will
bring the outstanding quality, reliability, and support CFM has been
providing since we began operations. It will help us continue to give
our passengers the highest quality, lowest cost service in the region
without any compromises.”
Based in Mexico City, Interjet began scheduled operations in late 2005
with CFM-powered A320s. Since then, the airline has quickly expanded its
network and operates scheduled flights with 41 CFM56-5B-powered A320s
within Mexico and to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America,
North America, and South America from its hubs in Mexico City and
Toluca, Mexico. The new LEAP-powered A320neo aircraft will support the
airline’s continued network expansion and fleet renewal plans. Interjet
is owned by the Mexican conglomerate Aleman Group.
“We're excited to have the opportunity to grow with Interjet,” said
Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “This airline
has made environmental health a primary focus and we are proud that our
engines are supporting those goals. Interjet was one of the first
airlines in the world to conduct a commercial flight with biofuels with
our CFM56-5B engine. It was also the first in the Americas to support
the EGTSTM electric taxiing system, a product of CFM parent company
Safran and JV partner Honeywell, which reduces fuel and other taxi
related costs, thus decreasing the carbon and other emissions created
during taxi operations.”
“Interjet has done a phenomenal job of quickly establishing itself as
one of the most successful airlines in the region, rating consistently
high by its passengers,” said Chaker Chahrour, vice president of Sales
for CFM parent company GE Aviation. “This airline is constantly rated
highly by is passengers and continues to raise the bar for reliability
and customer satisfaction.”
The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced
aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development
programs. This revolutionary engine will provide up to a 15 percent
improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s
best CFM engine, along with a dramatic reduction in engine noise. All
this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low
maintenance costs.
The first full LEAP-1A engine began ground testing in September 2013,
two days ahead of schedule, launching the most extensive ground and
flight test certification program in CFM's history. The total program,
which encompasses all three LEAP engine variants, includes 28 ground and
CFM flight test engines, along with a total of 32 flight test engines
for Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC.
Over the next three years, these engines will accumulate approximately
40,000 engine cycles leading up to entry into service. By the time this
engine enters services, CFM will have simulated more than 15 years of
airline service with 60 different engine builds.
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High-Resolution Image Jose Luis Garza Alvarez, chief executive
officer of Interjet, and Chaker Chahrour, vice president of Global Sales
& Marketing for CFM parent company GE Aviation, sign the agreement to
purchase 80 LEAP-1A engines.
About Interjet
Interjet has rapidly become a leading low-cost carrier in the region
with a goal to become the best choice for air transportation in the
market. The airline is staffed by some of the most talented people in
Mexico’s aviation industry, including highly experienced pilots selected
by completing rigorous evaluations related to their knowledge and
experience in aviation, superb onboard service provided by friendly
flight attendants, and a highly qualified technical staff. The airline
combines the experience and newness of its fleet to become a leader in
operational safety, customer service, and reliability.
About CFM International
CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE,
is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has
delivered more than 26,500 CFM56 engines to date. The LEAP engine has
experienced the fastest order ramp up in commercial aviation history,
with 6,770 orders on the books as of June 30, 2014. For more
information, visit us at www.cfmaeroengines.com
or follow us on Twitter @CFM_engines.
Copyright Business Wire 2014