Panama-based AviancaTaca Holdings has selected the advanced technology LEAP-1A engines to power 33 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, in addition to ordering CFM56-5B engines to power an additional 18 Airbus A320ceo family aircraft. The airline has also opted for a comprehensive engine maintenance service package. The agreement has a total combined value of $2.7 billion U.S. at list price.
AviancaTaca signed a 15-year RPFH (Rate per Flight Hour) agreement to support both the new CFM56 and LEAP engine fleets under which CFM will guarantee maintenance costs on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.
Deliveries of the A320ceos are scheduled between 2014 and 2016, while the A320neos will be delivered in the 2017 to 2019 timeframe. The airplanes were originally announced in June 2011.
Avianca has been a CFM customer since 2006 and currently operates a fleet of 66 CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline merged with TACA in 2010 to create one of the largest carriers in Latin America, transporting more than 30 million passengers in 2012. The new aircraft will be used for both fleet renewal and growth.
“We picked the LEAP-1A after a very thorough technical evaluation and we believe it is the right engine for our A320neo fleet,” said Fabio Villegas Ramirez, CEO of AviancaTaca. . “The fuel efficiency it will bring coupled with the CFM standard for reliability and for maintenance cost, will make it a critical tool in implementing our long-term growth strategy.”
AviancaTaca signs agreement with CFM valued at $2.7 billion
