China Airlines, the leading carrier of Taiwan, has chosen the CFM56-5C4 engine to power seven firm, one option Airbus Industrie A340-300 aircraft in an engine order valued at about $160 million. The airline will begin taking delivery of the long-range, four-engine A340s in 2001.
CFM56-5C engines are produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran Group) of France and General Electric of the United States. CFM is the world's leading supplier of engines for commercial aircraft with a capacity of 100 passengers or more.
"Selecting CFM engines demonstrates our commitment to safety, operating efficiency, and service quality," said Sandy Liu, president of China Airlines. "This purchase also allows us to phase out old aircraft and simplify our fleet."
China Airlines currently operates a fleet of 10 CFM56-7-powered Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Last November, the airline firmed options for five additional 737s and will begin taking delivery of those airplanes next year.
"We are honored that China Airlines placed its confidence in CFM engines," said Grard Laviec, president of CFM. "And we look forward to being an integral part of their long and illustrious history."