First CFM-powered A320neo Aircraft In Qantas Group Fleet

The Qantas Group announced Thursday that it has selected CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engine to power 78 Airbus A320neo aircraft currently on order. The engine order is valued at $2.0 billion U.S. at list price, including spare engines. The announcement takes total LEAP orders and commitments to more than 3,500 engines. In addition to the LEAP-1A being an option on the Airbus A320neo, the LEAP-1B and LEAP-1C are the exclusive powerplants for the Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919, respectively.

“The LEAP engine was chosen for our new A320neo aircraft because of its performance, fuel efficiency and maintenance program,” Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said.

The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2016 and will support Jetstar, the low-fare subsidiary of the Qantas Group. “We consider the benefits of LEAP technology, including better fuel burn and lower noise and emissions compared to today’s best CFM56 engines, along with CFM’s industry-leading reliability and low maintenance costs, will have a very positive impact on operational efficiency and help support their exciting growth plans,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM.

Qantas has been a CFM customer for more than two decades with Boeing 737 aircraft and now adds Airbus with CFM’s new LEAP engine to that stable.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics and materials technology development programs. The engine is designed to provide 15 percent better fuel consumption and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with a 50 percent reduction in oxides of nitrogen emissions, and up to a 75 percent reduction in the engines noise footprint. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.

FMI: www.cfm56.com