Embraer Also Selects The Powerplant For KC-390s

China Eastern Airlines has selected International Aero Engines to provide V2500 engines to power 50 new A320 series aircraft. The deal also includes comprehensive long-term engine aftermarket services.

In announcing the agreement Tuesday, the companies said deliveries will commence in August 2012 and continue to 2015, and China Eastern will employ the new V2500s to expand the capacity of its fleet. The deal is valued at over $1.2 billion including the engine and aftermarket business. IAE will deliver engines for 11 A319s (including five high altitude A319s), 19 A320s and 20 A321s.

"China Eastern has expressed its satisfaction with the V2500. It has operated very well since it entered service on the A320 with China Eastern in 2008," said Ian Aitken, president and chief executive officer of International Aero Engines. "China Eastern recognizes the significant fuel burn advantage that the engine provides and the assurance that's provided by the fleet hour agreement support."

KC-390

IAE also announced that, for the first time, a V2500 variant will be used to power a military aircraft ... having been selected for Embraer's new KC-390 tanker/transport. The engine will be the V2500-E5.

"We are very pleased to be providing V2500 powerplants for this new multi-role military aircraft being developed and produced by Embraer," said Ian Aitken, president and chief executive officer of IAE. "This military application for our V2500 engine substantially opens a market that we have not done business in before, providing our business with opportunities for substantial further growth."

The KC-390 development program was launched in April 2009 and the Brazilian Air Force formalized its intent to purchase 28 aircraft in July of last year. Five additional countries have agreed to join as industrial partners, with expectations now totaling 60 airplanes. It will also be marketed globally, representing opportunities for further growth.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

FMI: www.v2500.com