France-based CFM International has been chosen by Qatar Airways to provide CFM56-5B engines to power the carrier?s eight new Airbus A320ceo aircraft
CFM International is a 50-50 joint venture between Snecma (Safran) and GE, and is a leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, having delivered more than 28,000 CFM56 engines to date.
According to CFM International, the deal is valued at US$174mn, and the Doha-based carrier began taking delivery earlier in 2015.
CFM International CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga said, ?We are obviously pleased to welcome Qatar Airways to the CFM family. This airline continues to set new standards of excellence in the Middle East and throughout the world, and we are honoured to be part of the team.?
The CFM56-5B is a preferred choice by Airbus for its A320ceo (current engine option) series. The engine also happens to be the only one compatible with every other model in the A320 family.
The engine is also popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers as well as leasing companies, claimed CFM International. To date, more than 6,800 CFM56-5B engines have been delivered to operators around the globe, mainly due to its reliability, durability, low cost of ownership, and the customer and product support offered by the brand itself.
