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Update: CFM statement on Southwest Airlines flight 1380

April 17, 2018

April 18, 2018 -- GE and Safran Aircraft Engines technicians (about 40 in total) are being deployed to support Southwest Airlines’ (SWA) accelerated inspection program related to the CFM56-7B engine, which powers the airline’s Next-Generation 737 fleet.  Out of an abundance of caution, the ultrasonic inspections are being conducted on a population of fan blades.

Working with Boeing, GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, SWA expects the accelerated inspections to be completed over the next 30 days.

The CFM56-7B engine is produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

On Tuesday, a SWA Boeing 737-700 powered by CFM56-7B engines experienced an engine event during a flight from New York to Dallas.  The aircraft made an emergency landing at Philadelphia.

CFM has sent a team of technical representatives to the site to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in its investigation.  CFM will support the NTSB and Southwest Airlines in determining the cause of the accident. CFM and GE will make every resource necessary available to ensure support.

The CFM56-7 engine fleet powering this aircraft has compiled an outstanding safety and reliability record since entering revenues service in 1997 while powering more than 6,700 aircraft worldwide. The engine family has accumulated more than 350 million flight hours as one of the most reliable and popular jet engine models in airline history.

By law, CFM cannot provide information about the accident or details related to it.  You may contact the NTSB for updates.

The members of the CFM Team worldwide wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family of Jennifer Riordan and every one impacted by this tragedy.


April 17, 2018 -- On Tuesday at approximately 11:30 a.m., a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 powered by CFM56-7B engines experienced an engine event during a flight from New York to Dallas.  The aircraft made an emergency landing at Philadelphia.

The CFM56-7B engine is produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines of France.

The members of the CFM Team worldwide wish to express their deepest condolences to family of the victim of this incident.

CFM has sent a team of technical representatives to the site to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in its investigation.   The NTSB is leading the accident investigation according to the ICAO Annex 13 rules, CFM cannot provide information about the accident or details related to it.

CFM will support the NTSB and Southwest Airlines in determining the cause of the accident and CFM and its parent companies, GE and Safran, will make every resource necessary available to ensure support.

The CFM56-7B engine powering this aircraft has compiled an outstanding safety and reliability record since entering revenues service in 1997 while powering more than 6,700 aircraft worldwide. The engine family has accumulated more than 350 million flight hours as one of the most reliable and popular jet engines in airline history.