Airline Has More Than 800 Engines On Order

AirAsia has become the first Southeast Asian airline to take delivery of the CFM International LEAP-1A-powered A320neo aircraft.  The official aircraft welcoming ceremony (registration number 9M-NEO) was held earlier today near Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

"The aircraft/engine combination will deliver 15 percent fuel reduction of and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles, which will be translated to low fares for our guests," said said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia. "We are particularly pleased with the environmental element, where the fuel savings translate into some 5,000 (metric) tons fewer CO2  emissions per aircraft per year, in addition to the double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise."

"We are honored to be part of this incredible team and excited to enter the next phase of our relationship with AirAsia," said Allen Paxson, CFM executive vice president.  "We believe that all of the benefits of LEAP technology — fuel efficiency, improved environmental footprint, industry-leading reliability, low maintenance costs —  will have a very positive impact on AirAsia's operational efficiency and help fuel their continued growth long-term."

As the single largest Airbus A320 operator in the Asia-Pacific region, AirAsia operates a fleet of 170 CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceos and has ordered a total of 404 A320neo aircraft powered by the LEAP-1A. 

(Image provided with Safran news release)

FMI: http://www.safran-group.com