The Qantas Group today announced that it has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power its fleet of 78 A320neo aircraft.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Alan Joyce said the LEAP engines built by CFM International, a joint partnership between GE and Snecma (Safran group), would power the highly fuel-efficient, next-generation A320neo.
“The LEAP engines were chosen for our new A320neo aircraft because of its performance, fuel efficiency and maintenance program,” Mr Joyce said.
“The next-generation A320neos are the world’s most sought after aircraft, with about an 8 per cent unit cost advantage over current A320s, with up to 15 per cent lower fuel burn, lower engine maintenance costs, and improved payload range capability.”
Jetstar – the low fares subsidiary of the Qantas Group – is scheduled to receive the Group’s first A320neos equipped with LEAP engines in 2016. The significant cost savings offered by the new aircraft is expected to help Jetstar maintain its leadership position in the low fares market.
Of the 78 A320neos, approximately half will be for lease replacements, replacing older aircraft with more efficient, next-generation models. The other half will support base growth in the existing Jetstar Group businesses, and provide flexibility for the later part of this decade.
The aircraft order was placed with Airbus and announced in August 2011.
The Jetstar Group is Asia Pacific’s fastest growing and largest low fares network by revenue, with airlines in Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and (subject to regulatory approval) Hong Kong. It operates up to 3,000 flights a week to almost 60 destinations, including 30 in Asia and eight in Greater China. The Jetstar Group is on track to carry more than 20 million people in FY12.