Expands Total A321ceo Fleet On Order To 45 Aircraft

Delta Air Lines announced Monday that is has selected CFM International’s CFM56-5B engines to power 15 firm A321ceo (current engine option) aircraft. The new aircraft will begin delivery in 2018.

These airplanes will join the other 126 CFM-powered A320 family aircraft Delta current operates. The airline plans to use the new A321s to replace similar, less-efficient domestic aircraft that are being retired from its fleet.

Delta was CFM International’s first customer and launched the product into commercial service April 24, 1982 when it flew the very first McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71 aircraft powered by CFM’s first engine, the CFM56-2, on a flight between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.

Delta currently operates approximately 210 Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft powered by the industry-leading CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, respectively.

“This is another vote of confidence from Delta,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM.  “This airline was instrumental in the launch of our commercial product line, and it is highly gratifying that, more than 32 years later, Delta continues to select CFM engines to power its newest single-aisle aircraft.” 

"We are proud to bring the industry’s most reliable, cost-effective engines to Delta’s fleet and support their continued efforts to improve the flying experience for their customers," said Doug Izarra, vice president of sales – Americas, for CFM International.

(Image provided by CFM International)

FMI: www.cfmaeroengines.com