ZHUHAI, China — China’s Zhejiang Loong Airlines today signed an agreement with CFM International to purchase LEAP-1A engines to power nine Airbus A320neo aircraft. CFM values the engine order at $260 million U.S. at list price, including spare engines.
Zhejiang Loong Airlines, based in Hangzhou in Eastern China, began commercial operations in December 2013 with two CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320 aircraft and has since added seven additional airplanes to its fleet.
“We are very pleased to order the new LEAP engine for our A320neo aircraft," said Liu Qihong, chairman of Zhejiang Loong Airlines. "We chose the LEAP engine because of its fuel efficiency, which will not only keep our costs in check but also help production the environment with fewer emissions. We look forward to introducing it into our fleet.”
Our goal is to contribute to the economic and social development of Zhejiang province by providing efficient transportation. We are learning about the reliability and world-class support CFM provides through our CFM56-5B fleet. We are looking forward to introducing the LEAP engine in the next few years."
"It is an honor to receive two orders from Loong Airlines in a matter of five months,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “We have been impressed with what this airline has accomplished in a very short amount of time and are excited to work with them as they continue to grow.”
The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programs. It will provide double-digit improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with dramatic reductions in engine noise and emissions. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.
About CFM International
LEAP engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE. CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, with more than 27,000 delivered to 530 operators around the globe. The company has received orders and commitments for a total of 7,820 LEAP engines to date.