China Signs Deal For 30 CFM-Powered 737s

November 12, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. November 12, 2003 In a ceremony here today, Li Hai, president of China Aircraft Supply Corporation (CASC), signed an agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for the purchase of 30 CFM56-7-powered 737-700/-800/-900 aircraft. The engine order is valued at approximately $300 million.

CFM56-7B engines, which are the sole powerplant for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 series, are produced by CFM International (CFM). CFM, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs (Safran Group) of France and General Electric Company, is the world's leading supplier of aircraft engines for commercial and military transport aircraft with nearly 14,000 engine in service with 375 operators.

The first CFM56-powered airplanes entered service in China in 1985. Today, there are 11 Chinese airlines operating nearly 750 CFM56 engines. The 30 new 737s are scheduled to enter service with Air China, Hainan Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, each a long-time CFM customers.

More than 1,350 CFM56-7-powered 737-600/-700/-800/-900 aircraft are currently in service worldwide. The engine provides operators substantial benefits, including low operating costs, better performance, high reliability, low noise and emissions, and outstanding operability.

The relationship between CFM and the Chinese aviation industry extends well beyond that of engine manufacturer and engine operator. In 2003, CFM's parent companies will purchase more than $20 million in CFM56 parts from Chinese manufacturers. One of the world's best aircraft engine maintenance training centers, the Aero Engine Maintenance Training Center, located in the Civil Aviation Flight College, Guanghan City, is a joint venture between CFM and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Since opening its doors in late 1996, the Center has trained more than 3,700 students.

In 1996, the company also opened the CFM Spares Service Center in Beijing. Nearly 2,000 items for CFM56-3, CFM56-5, and CFM56-7 line maintenance are now available to operators in a matter of days, rather than weeks.

Jamie Jewell



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Charles Soret



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Perry Bradley



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Talal Ahmed Almahmood


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talal.almahmood@gulfair.com