DUBAI, U.A.E.-- 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.