DUBAI, U.A.E. -- Garuda Indonesia today announced that it has selected CFM International's advanced LEAP-1A engines to power 10 new Airbus A320neo aircraft scheduled to begin delivery in 2017. The engine order is valued at approximately $220 million U.S. at list price. The aircraft will be operated by Garuda low-cost subsidiary Citilink.
"The LEAP-1A will bring double-digit improvements in fuel burn, noise, and carbon and NOx emissions to our operations," said Emirsyah Satar, president and CEO of Garuda Indonesia. "These are all critical elements to our long-term plans to grow and expand our reach with Citilink. We conducted an extensive technical evaluation before making our decision and the LEAP-1A is absolutely the right engine for our A320neo aircraft."
Garuda Indonesia is a long-time CFM customer and began operating the CFM56-3-powered Boeing 737-300 in the late 1990s. Today, the airline's fleet includes approximately 75 CFM-powered 737 aircraft in service or on order. In addition to the A320neos, the airline also announced today that it has selected the CFM56-5B to power 15 standard Airbus A320 aircraft.
"We are both honored and excited to launch this next phase of our relationship with Garuda Indonesia and be a part of this great team," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM. "All of the benefits we are building in to the LEAP technology footprint will have a very positive impact on Garuda’s operational efficiency and help fuel their continued growth long-term."
LEAP engines incorporate revolutionary technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. This engine combines advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology. The 15 percent better engine fuel efficiency, at current fuel prices, translates to as much as $1.6 million in fuel cost savings alone for customers per airplane, per year. LEAP technology will also achieve double-digit improvements in CO2 emissions and noise levels, all while providing the industry's best reliability and lowest maintenance costs.
LEAP is a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, with nearly 23,000 delivered to 500+ operators around the globe.