Press Release
CFM56 Remains Engine of Choice for Single-Aisle Aircraft; Logs $4.1 Billion in Firm Engine Orders in 2004
February 09, 2005 -- EVENDALE, Ohio - CFM International continued to be the world's leading aircraft engine supplier in 2004, logging orders for 683 commercial and military engines at a value of approximately $4.1 billion. In addition, the company received orders for a total of 118 CFM56-3 and CFM56-5C/P upgrade kits.
CFM International (CFM) is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs of France and General Electric Company. Since the company's formation in 1974, it has delivered more than 14,550 engines to 400 commercial and military customers worldwide. In 2004, the company delivered 728 new CFM56 engines.
In September, CFM formally launched the next generation of upgrades with the CFM56-5B/-7B Tech Insertion program, which incorporates technologies developed as part of Project TECH56. The package includes improvements to the high-pressure compressor, the combustor, and the high- and low-pressure turbines. It will help customers to lower overall operating costs through lower maintenance costs, longer time on wing, lower fuel consumption, and reduced NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions.
The CFM56-5B was selected to power 57 percent of the Airbus A320 family aircraft ordered in 2004. As the only engine that can power each A320 model with the same bill of materials, the CFM56-5B is the engine of choice for major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies worldwide.
Major CFM56-5B orders include: U.S.-based low-cost startup carrier Virgin America, with an order for 18 firm, 72 option CFM56-5B-powered A319/A320 aircraft; long-time CFM customer China Southern Airlines, with an order for CFM56-5B engines to power 21 A320 family aircraft; Cebu Pacific Air ordered 12 A319s; and in December, airline partners Air Berlin and NIKI Luftfahrt chose the CFM56-5B to power 70 firm, 40 option A320s.
The CFM56-7B is the sole powerplant for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Major 2004 orders include: Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol Transportes Aereos, with a firm order for 17 737-800 aircraft, in addition to taking purchase options on 28 additional aircraft; THY ordered 15 CFM56-7-powered 737s; GE Capital Aviation Services order 12 additional 737s; and Southwest Airlines firmed options on 12 additional 737s.
