Since the first CFM56 engines entered service with Jet Airways in 1994, CFM International's presence in India and Southern Asia has steadily grown. Today, there are more then 500 CFM56 engines in service or on order in the region powering Airbus and Boeing aircraft for Air India, Air India Express, Go Air, and SpiceJet, as well as airlines in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
"India is one of the most dynamic economies in the world and the long-term potential is virtually limitless," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "At CFM, we are very pleased and proud to be a part of the aviation infrastructure here in India and to help support the continued growth of this industry in the region."
CFM today officially opened its fourth CFM56 maintenance training center here in Hyderabad to support its customers throughout India and the region. This state-of-the-art facility, which mirrors those in the U.S., China, and France, will provide hands-on training for CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines. Once the center is fully operational, it will have the capacity to train 500 students annually.
CFM also provides in-country support with seven field service engineers in place with its airline customers. In addition, leveraging India's rich information technology industry, CFM produces CFM56 shop visit and engine maintenance manuals in Bangalore.
CFM also provides engines for the Indian government's VIP fleet of Boeing Business Jets, in addition to commercial applications. In January 2009, the government selected the CFM56-7B-powered Boeing P-8I to provide long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian navy. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon being developed for the U.S. Navy.
Both CFM's parent companies, Snecma and General Electric, are also heavily investing in India. In 2007, Snecma's 50/50 joint venture with HAL reached full production capability and supplies tubes and pipes for CFM56 engines. GE has had large commercial engines, such as the CF6 and the GE90, operating in India since 1982.
Additionally, both companies have extensive research and development capabilities in the country: GE Aviation's John F. Welch Technology Center and Safran Aerospace India Pvt Ltd both located in Bangalore.
CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company. The company was founded more than 35 years ago and since then its ubiquitous CFM56 has become the world's best-selling aircraft engine. In July 2008, the two parent companies signed a landmark agreement extending the existing partnership to the year 2040.