Cebu Pacific Expands CFM56-5B-Powered Airbus Fleet

LE BOURGET, FRANCE — Cebu Pacific has selected CFM International's CFM56-5B engine to power ten new Airbus A320 aircraft in a firm engine order valued at approximately $155 million U.S., including spare engines. The airline is scheduled to take its first aircraft in October 2010, with deliveries continuing through November 2013.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) took delivery of its first CFM-powered Airbus A320 in 2005. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 21 A319/A320 aircraft, powered 100 percent by CFM56-5B engines.

By selecting the CFM56-5B Tech Insertion configuration, Cebu Pacific continues to take steps in reducing its operating costs. Over the engine's life cycle, CFM56 Tech Insertion will provide the airline better specific fuel consumption, which translates to better fuel burn and, as a result, lower CO2 emissions. The engine also meets the new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP /6) that took effect in early 2008.

Tech Insertion will also result in longer time on wing through an equivalent 15-20 C additional exhaust gas temperature margin and between 5 and 15 percent lower maintenance costs (depending on the thrust rating) through enhanced durability. These benefits are achieved through improvements to the highpressure compressor, the combustor, and the high- and low-pressure turbines.

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.