EVENDALE, OHIO March 30, 2006 GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) today announced an order for CFM56-7B engines to power 30 firm, 30 option Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 and -900ER aircraft. The firm engine order is valued at approximately $400 million at list price.
GECAS will begin taking delivery of the 30 firm airplanes in 2008, with deliveries continuing through 2010.
CFM56-7B engines are produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company. CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, with more than 15,500 delivered to date.
The 737-900ER the new higher capacity, longer range member of the Next-Generation 737 family. The first aircraft of this type will be delivered in the first half of 2007
All 60 GECAS CFM56-7B engines will be the new Tech Insertion configuration, which incorporates advanced technologies developed and validated as part of Project TECH56. Tech Insertion, which is on schedule for certification in the third quarter of this year, will provide operators with lower maintenance costs, improved oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, and better fuel burn. CFM56 Tech Insertion includes improvements to the high-pressure compressor, the combustor, and the high- and low-pressure turbines. CFM is also defining potential upgrade kits that could be made available to operators by late 2007.