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Mexicana Takes Delivery of First CFM-Powered Airbus A318

November 16, 2004

MEXICO, CITY, Mexico - In a ceremony here today, Mexicana Airlines took delivery of its first CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A318. The airline is leasing from GECAS a total of 10 aircraft that will be delivered over the next 12 months. 

CFM56-5B engines are produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs (France) and General Electric Company. CFM, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with more than 14,300 in service. 

Mexicana Airlines, one of Mexico's leading airlines, serving more than 50 destinations throughout Mexico, North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Its fleet is considered among the most modern in the world and currently includes 15 CFM56-5B powered A319s. 

"Mexicana is a relatively new CFM customer, having taken delivery of its first A319 in 2001," said Pierre Fabre, president and CEO of CFM International. "We are obviously honored and pleased by the decision to make CFM the powerplant of choice for its fleet and we look forward to our future together with great anticipation." 

As the only engine that can power every model of the A320 family with one bill of materials, the CFM56-5B provides airlines a distinct commonality advantage, in addition to the lowest cost of operation on this application. Other -5B-powered A318 operators include Air France and Frontier Airlines. 

Noise and emissions have become key factors in aircraft fleet planning and operations. The CFM56-5B is the only engine on the A320 family to offer advanced double annular combustor (DAC) technology. The CFM DAC reduces NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions by as much as 45 percent. The technology has been so well received in the marketplace that nearly 40 percent of all CFM56-5B-powered A320s in service or on order with European airlines are equipped with this technology. 

The CFM56-5 continues to be the engine of choice for the Airbus A320 family, having been selected to power 56 percent of all A318/A319/A320/A321 aircraft ordered to date.