Chilean flag carrier LAN Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319 to be powered by CFM International's CFM56-5B PIP (Performance Improvement Program) engine. The PIP is the new production configuration for all CFM56-5B engines.
In 2010, LAN placed the single largest engine order in the company's history, choosing the CFM56-5B engine to power 70 new Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft for delivery beginning this year. To date, the airline has received five of the new CFM-powered A320s and will have 10 aircraft in service by year-end 2011.
"These new engines reflect our deep commitment to protecting the environment and our continuous efforts to reduce fuel consumption," said Roberto Alvo, senior vice president of Strategic Planning & Corporate Development for LAN. "We are pleased to be the first airline to operate the new CFM56-5B PIP engine. CFM has a long tradition of continually investing in its products and we look forward to reaping the benefits of that investment."
LAN became a CFM operator in 2000 with the delivery of its first CFM56-5C-powered Airbus A340-300 long-range four-engine airplane. The airline currently operates five A340s.
"LAN is one of the top airlines in the world and we consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of this industry-leading team." said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. "We are excited to bring the new CFM56-5B PIP technology to our customers and pleased to be working closely with LAN Airlines on introducing it into their A320 family fleet."
The improvements to the engine, which provide a 0.5% improvement in fuel burn, include hardware changes to the core, including new high-pressure turbine blade, as well as manufacturing changes the fan and compressor blades and vanes to improve performance retention. The engine also features fewer parts to help lower maintenance costs.
The CFM56-5B PIP engine maintains the same noise signature as the previous production model and also meets current International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP /6) requirements.
LAN Airlines was formed in 1929 as a domestic Chilean carrier. Today, the airline in conjunction with its affiliates is one of the leading passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America and serves over 70 destinations throughout Latin America, the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific.
CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM, the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered nearly 23,000 engines to date. The CFM56-5B engine powers every model of the Airbus A320 family and has been chosen to power nearly 60 percent of all A320 aircraft in service or on order.
CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.
About LAN
LAN Airlines is one of the leading passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. The company and its affiliates serve over 70 destinations around the world through an extensive network that offers full connectivity within Latin America, while also linking the region with North America, Europe and the South Pacific, as well as 70 additional international destinations through its various alliances. LAN Airlines and its affiliates have a leading position in their respective domestic markets of Chile and Peru as well as an important presence in the Argentinean and Ecuadorian domestic markets. Furthermore, in November 2010, LAN acquired Colombian airline AIRES.
Currently, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, with 125 passenger aircraft and its cargo subsidiary, LAN CARGO and its respective cargo affiliates, have a fleet of 14 dedicated freighters. The Company has one of the youngest fleets in the world, which has meant greater efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, reflecting its strong commitment to environmental protection.
LAN is one of the few Investment Grade airlines in the world (BBB). The company's world class quality standards enabled its membership in oneworld™, the global alliance which LAN has been a member of for over 10 years that encompasses the best airlines in the world. For more information please visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com