EVENDALE, OHIO July 22, 2003 Frontier Airlines today took delivery of the first CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A318 aircraft and will be the first airline to place the newest edition of the A320 family into revenue service.
CFM56-5B engines are produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs (Safran Group) of France and General Electric Company.
Frontier Airlines is a long-time CFM customers, operating a fleet of 19 CFM56-5B-powered A319s, as well as 16 Boeing 737 aircraft powered by CFM56-3 engines. The airlines has ordered five A318s and will lease two additional airplanes.
As the only engine that can power every model of the A320 family with one bill of materials, the CFM56-5B provides airlines a distinct commonality advantage, in addition to the lowest cost of operation on this application. Other customers that have selectec the -5B to power A318 aircraft include Air France order (15 firm, 10 option) and GE Capital Aviation Services (30 firm).
Noise and emissions have become key factors in aircraft fleet planning and operations. The CFM56-5B is the only engine on the A320 family to offer advanced double annular combustor (DAC) technology. The CFM DAC reduces NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions by as much as 45 percent. The technology has been so well received in the marketplace that nearly 40 percent of all CFM56-5B-powered A320s in service or on order with European airlines are equipped with this technology.
The CFM56-5 continues to be the engine of choice for the Airbus A320 family, having been selected to power 56 percent of all A318/A319/A320/A321 aircraft ordered to date.