Virgin Australia orders LEAP-1B-powered 737 MAX aircraft
Published on 8th July 2012
FARNBOROUGH, England – 7 July 2012 — Virgin Australia has finalized a firm order for 23 advanced LEAP-1B-powered Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes. Virgin Australia has been a CFM customer since its official launch in August 2000 and currently operates a fleet of 68 CFM56-7B and -7BE powered Next Generation 737-700s and 737-800s.
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Virgin Australia,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “We are honored by their continued confidence and welcome the opportunity to bring the LEAP-1B and the industry’s most advanced technology to Virgin Australia’s operations to help support the airline’s continued success.”
“Virgin Australia is a very important customer to CFM, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our continued commitment with the new LEAP-1B engine”, said Kevin McAllister, vice president of Sales for CFM parent company GE Aviation.
The LEAP-1B, which is the result of a exhaustive six-year collaboration effort with Boeing, is the exclusive powerplant for the new 737 variant, with the engine uniquely optimized for the airplane. The 737 MAX continues a 30-year relationship between CFM and Boeing; CFM engines have been the sole powerplant for all 737 aircraft sold since 1981. LEAP engines incorporate revolutionary technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine combines advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology.
LEAP engines incorporate revolutionary technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine combines advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology.
As a result, operators of the 737 MAX will achieve 10 – 12 percent lower fuel burn compared to today’s best CFM56-powered 737; an equivalent reduction in carbon emissions; a 50 percent reduction in NOx emissions versus current ICAO CAEP/6 requirements; a 75 percent reduction in the aircraft noise footprint; all while maintaining the benefits of CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.
LEAP engines are a product of CFM International a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.
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About CFM International
A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide.
www.cfmaeroengines.com