WEST CHESTER, Ohio – Dublin, Ireland-based low-cost carrier Ryanair today announced its commitment to purchase 175 CFM56-7BE-powered Boeing 737-800 airplanes. Pending shareholder approval, the engine order is valued at $3.7 billion U.S. at list price.
"Ryanair is one of biggest customers and we are delighted to continue our relationship with one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers,” said CFM President and CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga.
Ryanair first became a CFM customer in 1998 with an order for 28 CFM56-7-powered 737s. The airline now boasts a fleet of more than 300 CFM56-7B-powered 737-800 aircraft and operates to 165 destinations throughout Europe. Today’s announcement will bring the airline’s fleet to 400 aircraft once deliveries are completed in 2018. Ryanair plans to use the new 737s to expand its routes and to phase out older aircraft.
The CFM56-7BE engine is the exclusive powerplant for its 737-600/-700/-800/-900 family of aircraft and the engine provides operators with substantial benefits. The enhanced airplane/engine combination provides a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the previous -7B production engine. The improvement equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the enhanced -7BE will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating. These advantages make the CFM56-7-powered 737 ideally suited for low-cost operators such as Ryanair.
CFM used advanced computer codes and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines for better engine performance. In addition, the company improved engine durability and reduced parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs.
Since 1984, CFM has provided the sole powerplant for all Boeing 737 models from the Classic 737-300/-400/-500 to the Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900/-900ER and the BBJ. In 2011, the advanced LEAP-1B was chosen to continue the long relationship when Boeing selected the engine to power its new 737 MAX.