Tibet Airlines Co. Ltd., the newest start-up airline in China, has signed an agreement with CFM International to purchase three Airbus A319 powered by CFM56-5B engines. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the July of 2011 and the engine order is valued at $60 million U.S. at list price
Based at Konggar Airport, Lhasa, Tibet, the Airlines will start operation of domestic passenger and cargo and services from July 2011. The airline which was established in May 2010, will be the first airline based in the southwest Tibet Autonomous Region.
"We are very excited that Tibet Airlines has selected CFM56-5B to power their new fleet," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, President of CFM International. "We appreciate their trust and offer them our commitment that we will continue to earn that trust every day. The airline is off to a great start and we're honored to be a part of it."
"We selected CFM56 engines after an extensive technical evaluation," said Mr. Liu Yanping, President of Tibet Airlines. "The reliability, performance and low cost of ownership advantages that the CFM56-5B provides will help ensure our airline of a smooth and successful launch into service. CFM56 engine is also a good choice for the safety of our high-altitude mission."
CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE and the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines. Throughout China, the CFM56 product line has proven to be the engines of choice for new start-up carriers.