CFM International's TRUEngineTM program, launched in mid-2008, has been well received by customers worldwide. CFM launched the program to help the industry more accurately appraise used CFM56 engines and to enhance the resale value of these assets.
To date, more than 2,000 engines in service with Aer Lingus, AirAsia, Continental Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, have been granted TRUEngine status.
"The industry has asked CFM for better ways to determine the value of engines as they are redistributed in aircraft fleets," says Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "The TRUEngineTM program allows you to more easily evaluate used CFM56 engines by serial number, based on data currently not widely accessible."
The TRUEngineTM designation is available to all CFM56 engines meeting the criteria and several fleets of engines are currently being evaluated.
To qualify for TRUEngineTM status, the engine configuration, engine overhaul practices, spare parts and repairs used to service the engine must be consistent with CFM requirements for that engine model. In addition, all maintenance must comply with CFM-issued engine manuals and other maintenance recommendations. The qualification data is obtained through a combination of fleet operational and maintenance records.
Commercial jet engines typically are in service for more than 25 years and change ownership at least once in their operational life. The engine's configuration, material content, maintenance history, and supportability impact overall value as it changes ownership.
The TRUEngineTM designation also facilitates CFM's ability to provide technical support. Jet engines contain multiple, complex systems whose interactions must be carefully controlled. CFM's engine support is built upon technical expertise for genuine CFM56 parts and configurations, as well as data gained from the vast operational history of the global CFM56 engine population.
CFM designs and continually improves the CFM56 family, the world's most utilized commercial jet engine. Nearly 16,000 CFM56 engines are in commercial service powering several aircraft models, most prominently the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 families, with nearly 500 operators worldwide.
CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company.