Leap Engine
Leap Engine
Leap Engine
w John Plueger
and of course engine reliability. This also applies to MRO: its dedicated support teams will be able to quickly resolve any problems and limit AOG (aircraft on ground) situations as much as possible in other words, maximize aircraft dispatch reliability while keeping costs under control. How would you describe your relations with CFM International, and how do you think they will evolve? Weve established a solid, sustainable partnership. Over and above this initial order for 75 engines, Im sure that there will be many other shared development opportunities in the years to come.
AVIATION
The new LEAP engine garnered an impressive number of orders at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow, reflecting its outstanding performance qualities.
in half and 15 dB less noise. At the same time, it maintains the well-known reliability and low maintenance costs of the CFM56. Airlines want engines that are reliable, fuel-efficient and inexpensive to operate, notes Marc Ventre. And thats what we give them with LEAP. Were also capitalizing on the reputation of the CFM56, and we have retained the basic architecture of this proven engine. Furthermore, we renewed our partnership with GE until 2040 back in 2008, at the same time we launched the new engine, thus reassuring the market that the winning CFM team would still be in place for the next generation.
Market leadership The first selection of this new engine didnt come from one of the legacy plane-makers, but a new entrant, Comac of China. When we first
FM International was in the spotlight at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2012. The 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran) and GE recorded 922 engine orders, including 80% for the new LEAP engine that will replace todays best-selling CFM56. Barely two years after hitting the market, this new engine for nextgeneration single-aisle commercial jets has already logged more than 4,252 orders and options, an exceptional score, enthuses Marc Ventre, Safran Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations.
A worthy heir to the CFM56 LEAPs strong point is its impressive performance specs, including a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared with the latest CFM56 Tech Insertion model, NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions cut
20 _ December 2012 _ safran Magazine
4,252 3
orders and options for LEAP engines at October 31, 2012, including 742 orders at Farnborough.
applications for LEAP: Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, Comac C919
Boeing
2016
announced the new engine we were in fact ahead of the curve, since no new aircraft was announced at the time, Marc Ventre recalls. But we also understood that airlines were expecting a substantial reduction in fuel consumption before they would make a commitment. Time has proven us right: when Comac launched the C919 in 2009 we were ready. The two world leaders followed: in 2010 Airbus tabbed the LEAP as one of the two engines offered on the A320neo, and in 2010 Boeing chose it as the exclusive powerplant on its new 737 MAX. Orders have poured in since then, along with service contracts. When Snecma and GE renewed their partnership, they extended it to include aftersales service, so they could offer integrated packages, including both the original engine and support services. This proved to be an excellent idea, since 90% of customers choosing the engine have opted for this package. While awaiting the LEAP service entry in 2016, CFMs assembly lines are already running at full speed to handle the large backlog of orders for the CFM56. According to Marc Ventre, Were going to reach an unprecedented rate of about 1,600 engines per year. Our facilities are ready, and we are also making sure that our suppliers can sustain this accelerated pace. At the same time, LEAP development is proceeding on schedule, with the first ground test of a complete engine slated for 2013.