EVENDALE, Ohio -- Europe's largest low-fare carrier, easyJet, has selected CFM56-5B engines to power 52 additional Airbus A319 aircraft in a firm engine order valued at more than $700 million at list price. The order will bring the airline's fleet of CFM-powered A319s to 192 aircraft by the end of 2010.
CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.
easyJet initially ordered 120 firm CFM56-5B-powered A319s in 2002, of which 97 have been delivered to date. The airline also had options for 120 additional aircraft and, with this order, has converted a total of 72 of those options to firm orders.
easyJet continues to experience unprecedented growth. In year ending September 30, 2006 alone, the airline added 58 new routes for a total of 262 routes in 21 countries. The new A319s are part of easyJet's planned 15 percent annual capacity growth. In addition to the CFM56-5B-powered A319s, the airline also operates 30 CFM56-7B powered Boeing 737s.
"We have built a great relationship with easyJet over the years," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM. "We are obviously honored by their continued confidence in the CFM56 product line and look forward to maintaining that relationship for many more years to come."
The CFM56-5B is the engine of choice for the Airbus A320 family and is popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies alike. More than 2,500 CFM56-5B engines have been delivered to date, and the fleet is growing at a rate of about 32 engines per month. Primary factors behind the engine's broad-based market acceptance include this industry's best reliability, durability, low cost of ownership, and world-class customer and product support.