First Operator Of The Engines In The Americas

Sao Paulo-based Avianca Brasil has taken delivery of the first CFM International LEAP-1A-powered A320neo aircraft to be delivered to a customer in the Americas.

The new airplane, which is being leased from GECAS, is part of the airline’s fleet renewal plan.

“At Avianca Brasil, we are driven by innovation. We always attempt to think ahead, anticipating the latest trends, aiming to deliver the best possible product to our customers. We have recently become the first airline in South America with internet on board and the A320neo represents an additional step in this business strategy,” said Frederico Pedreira, President of Avianca Brasil. “Thanks to its eco efficiency, superior comfort and excellent reliability, the LEAP-1A-powered A320neo will ensure not only the continuing renewal of our fleet, but also will allow us to continue to offer the best travel experience in our country.”

“We are excited to be entering this new phase of our relationship with Avianca Brazil as they introduce the LEAP-1A-powered A320neo into one of the industry’s most dynamic markets,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “The LEAP engine has performed exceptionally well in its first two months of commercial service and we believe the benefits it brings will make it an invaluable asset in Avianca Brazil’s daily operations.”

Avianca Brasil (formerly OceanAir) has been a CFM customer since 2008 and operates a fleet of CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320ceo aircraft.

The LEAP-1A, which powers the Airbus A319neo, A320neo, and the A321neo aircraft, features some of the industry’s most advanced technologies, including 3-D woven carbon fiber composite fan blades and fan case; a unique debris rejection system; 4th generation three dimensional aerodynamic designs; the Twin-Annular, Pre-Swirl (TAPS) combustor featuring additively manufactured fuel nozzles; ceramics matrix composite shrouds in the high-pressure turbine; and titanium aluminide (Ti-Al) blades in the low-pressure turbine.

(Source: CFM news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.cfmaeroengines.com