• Agreement includes long-term support package • Airline will begin taking delivery in 2018 FARNBOROUGH, England — 15 July 2014 — 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.
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.