CFM56-5B engines to power EasyJet's additional A319 orders

Evendale, USA: The Safran Group has announced that Europe's largest low-fare carrier, easyJet, has selected CFM56-5B engines to power 52 additional Airbus A319 aircraft in a firm engine order valued at more than $700 million at list price. The LCC is expected to have a fleet of 192 CFM-powered A319s aircraft by the end of 2010.

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

EasyJet initially ordered 120 firm CFM56-5B-powered A319s in 2002, of which 97 have been delivered to date. The airline also had options for 120 additional aircraft and, with this order, has converted a total of 72 of those options to firm orders.

EasyJet continues to experience unprecedented growth, and in the year ending September 30, 2006, it added 58 new routes for a total of 262 routes in 21 countries. In addition to the CFM56-5B-powered A319s, the airline also operates 30 CFM56-7B powered Boeing 737s.

Safran says that the CFM56-5B is the engine of choice for the Airbus A320 family and is popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies alike. According to the company, more than 2,500 CFM56-5B engines have been delivered to date, and the fleet is growing at a rate of about 32 engines per month.