Source: International Aero Engines Author: 02/01/2010
Subject Concerned: Aircraft Airlines
On Feb. 1, Sichuan Airlines confirmed it has selected the IAE (International Aero Engines) V2500 to power its latest fleet of Airbus A320s currently on order. This deal includes V2500 SelectOne engines for 12 firm aircraft, due to be delivered between 2011 and 2015.
In addition, Sichuan has chosen to support these engines with a long-term IAE Aftermarket Services Agreement, where coverage includes overhaul, engine health monitoring and on-wing coverage. The total value of this new business is worth US$300 million to IAE.
Sichuan's current A320 family fleet of 61 aircraft in service and on order is exclusively powered by the V2500 and the airline was the launch customer for the V2500 in China in 1995.
Ian Aitken, President and CEO - IAE said, "Sichuan is yet another example of a returning customer that maintains great confidence in our product and enjoys doing business with us. We have an exceptional, long-term relationship with Sichuan that has consistently grown stronger since their first V2500 order 15 years ago. During that time we've demonstrated our commitment to continuous improvement, introducing new technologies to drive down fuel burn, reduce maintenance cost and improve reliability, ensuring our customers get the most out of their assets."
In Greater China, the V2500 powers over 250 aircraft in service and there are more than 150 IAE-powered aircraft currently on order in the region. The V2500 was also the launch engine for the Airbus Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin in 2009, where nine of the first 10 aircraft produced were powered by IAE.
The new IAE-powered aircraft are the latest V2500 SelectOne build standard offering benefits of reduced CO2 emissions and noise levels as well as an one per cent additional reduction in fuel burn, bringing the V2500's total advantage to up to four percent. The added benefit of creating a reliable engine and lowest cost of ownership maintains IAE's position as the technology leader within the aerospace industry.
The 22,000-33,000lb of thrust V2500 is available in seven different thrust settings to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the A319 Corporate Jet. Nearly 6,000 V2500 engines are in service or on firm order with more than 190 customers around the world.
The V2500 SelectOne build standard improves time-on-wing by up to 20 percent, and is compliant with the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards. It entered service on time in October 2008.
IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.