CFM International's TRUEngine program continues to achieve broad-based industry acceptance since the program was launched in mid-2008. Currently, more than 6,100 CFM56 engines in service with operators worldwide are qualified for TRUEngine status. This number represents nearly 40 percent of the in-service CFM56 commercial fleet worldwide.
"CFM is well positioned to provide full product support for CFM56 engines based both on our extensive fleet experience, as well as our product-level knowledge," said Chaker Chahrour, executive vice president of CFM International. "The TRUEngine designation enhances customer value in that it confirms engine content and the applicability of CFM technical data and, thus, streamlines the support process, and our customers are getting real benefit from the program."
One such customer is WestJet, which became part over the TRUEngine program in 2010. The airline qualified more than 100 of its CFM56-7B engines, which makes it eligible for up to 100 complimentary days annually of spare engine support from the CFM lease pool in the event of any unscheduled removals.
Earlier this year, WestJet found itself in just such a position, with multiple engine removals in a relatively short time span. The airline had real concerns that it would have enough spare engines to avoid disrupting its operations.
"This is an instance where we really saw the benefits of the TRUEngine program," said Russ White, vice president of Technical Operations for WestJet. "Having access to the lease pool enabled us to avoid an AOG (aircraft on the ground) situation and other disruptions. Plus, the complimentary days saved us well over $300,000 in engine leasing expenses. We are really pleased with our decision to qualify our CFM56-7B fleet as TRUEngine."
The TRUEngine designation serves as a method for identifying engines with CFM-approved content and facilitates product support of the engine system. Moreover, industry stakeholders use the knowledge of engine content to evaluate engine value and re-marketability.
The TRUEngine designation is available for all CFM56 engines. To qualify, a customer submits engine serial numbers, along with a combination of fleet operational and maintenance records, to CFM for evaluation to ensure the engine content, overhaul practices, and repairs are consistent with CFM requirements for that engine model.