Azul Selects CFM LEAP-1A to Power A320neos

Azul Brazilian Airlines today recently it has selected CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engine to power 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. CFM values engine order at more than $900 million U.S. at list price. 

The airline will also lease 28 additional aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines.

"We like what we see in the LEAP engine," said David Neeleman, CEO and founder of Azul. "The technology is cutting edge and, along with the airplane, will allow us to reduce operating costs and increase capacity with the most advanced engine in its category."

The airline plans to use the A320neo aircraft to connect to more Brazilian cities, offering even more seats on its longer haul flights and reducing operating costs.

"The success the LEAP engine family has enjoyed is simply unprecedented and we are thrilled to welcome Azul to the CFM family," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. "We look forward showing them the world-class level of customer support that has made CFM the industry leader. This is the beginning of great things to come."

"We appreciate the high level of confidence this order shows in CFM," said Chaker Chahrour, vice president and general manager of Global Sales & Marketing for CFM parent company GE Aviation. "It is highly gratifying to know that Azul has chosen to put its trust in CFM and in the LEAP engine for their future single-aisle fleet. Our job now is to deliver on our promise to provide better fuel efficiency, quieter operations and reduced emissions, all with CFM's legendary reliability. "

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.

The first full LEAP-1A engine began ground testing in September 2013, two days ahead of schedule, launching the most extensive ground and flight test certification program in CFM's history. The total program, which encompasses all three LEAP engine variants, includes 28 ground and CFM flight test engines, along with a total of 32 flight test engines for Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC.

Over the next three years, these engines will accumulate approximately 40,000 engine cycles leading up to entry into service. By the time this engine enters services, CFM will have simulated more than 15 years of airline service with 60 different engine builds.

Azul, the third largest airline in Brazil, offers more than 870 daily flights to 104 destinations in the country. With a fleet of 145 aircraft and 10.000 crewmembers, the company currently has a 32 percent share of departures of the Brazilian aviation market. In 2014 Azul was elected for the fourth time in a row by Skytrax as the best low cost carrier in Latin America. The company was also recognized by FlightStats as the company with best on-time performance in Latin America and best low cost carrier in the world by CAPA in 2013. For more information visit www.voeazul.com.br.

CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE, is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered more than 26,500 CFM56 engines to date. The LEAP engine has experienced the fastest order ramp up in commercial aviation history, with more than 7,800 orders and commitments on the books as of 30 October 2014. For more information, visit us at www.cfmaeroengines.com or follow us on Twitter @CFM_engines.