Hainan Airlines Establishes New Time On Wing Record In China

August 20, 2003

HAIKOU, CHINA August 20, 2003 In a ceremony here today, Hainan Airlines was recognized for setting a new time on wing record in China. A CFM56-3 engine has logged more than 26,600 hours without a single shop visit. CFM56-3 engines, which power the Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 series of aircraft, are produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs (Safran Group) and General Electric Company.

The record-setting CFM56-3 engine, which is still on wing, was part of an original 737-300 ship set delivered to Hainan Airlines in May 1993. During its in-service life, the engine has undergone routine inspections but has remained trouble-free.

Hainan began operations in 1989 and is the fourth largest airline group in China, serving 6.3 million passengers in 2002 on 480 routes throughout China. During 2003, the airline is also celebrating its safety record: 10 years of incident-free operation.

The airline currently operates a fleet of 39 CFM-powered Boeing 737s, including 16 Classic 737-300/-400 which began delivery in 1993. In 1998, the airline began taking delivery of Next-Generation 737-700/-800 aircraft and has 16 in service. During 2003, the airline is schedule to take delivery of 10 additional 737s.

The CFM56-3 has done extremely well in commercial service in China. The engine at Hainan is the latest records. In the past year, five CFM56-3 engines have achieved more than 20,000 hours on wing without a shop visit, and all are still in operation.

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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