Azzurra Air today took delivery of two new Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft powered by CFM56-7 engines. The aircraft are on lease from Pembroke and are the Next-Generation 737s in Italy.
The CFM56-7 is produced by CFM International, 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 commercial aircraft engines, garnering approximately 40 percent of all engine orders for aircraft powering 100 passengers or more.
Azzurra Air, based in Bergamo, Italy, operates primarily from Milan and will use the 737s on its regional routes. The airline is partially owned by Air Malta, a long-time CFM customer.
The CFM56-7 recently completed its first year of service. This engine aircraft combination is the fastest-selling in commercial aviation history, with more than 1,100 aircraft ordered since mid-1993. The Next-Generation 737 had the most rapid delivery ramp up in history, with more than 160 aircraft delivered in the first year. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 650,000 flight hours while maintaining a 99.93 dispatch reliability rate. More than 450 CFM56-7-powered 737-600/-700/-800 aircraft will be in service by year end and the fleet will have accumulated approximately 2.5 million flight hours.