EVENDALE, Ohio April 17, 2007 Continental Airlines has ordered 42 Enhanced Performance Kits for its CFM56-3 engine fleet. The order is valued at approximately $20 million dollars.
The CFM56-3 engine and the Enhanced Performance kit are products of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company.
The Enhanced Performance kit includes three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) designed high pressure compressor blade and vanes. This technology increases exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margin that translates to as much as 40 percent longer time on wing.
In addition to the Enhanced Performance kit, CFM also offers an Enhanced Durability kit for the high pressure turbine and a complete CFM56-3 Advanced Upgrade. The Advanced Upgrade includes 3-D aero in the high-pressure compressor and new high-pressure turbine hardware, including new nozzle and shroud materials, a new blade coating, and improved cooling. These changes extend component life and lower scrap rates and repair costs by as much as 50 percent.
CFM International is the world's leading of commercial aircraft engines, with more than 16,500 in service with more than 450 operators worldwide.