CFM56-5B certified on Airbus A318

The European Joint Airworthiness Authorities have certified the CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A318. Certification by the US Federal Aviation Administation is expected in June, paving the way for Frontier Airlines to take delivery of its first aircraft in July 2003.

The CFM56-5B is a member of the CFM56 engine family produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs of France and General Electric Company.

In 2002, CFM certified two new thrust ratings for the A318: the CFM56-5B8, rated at 21,600 pounds (96 kN) thrust, and the CFM56-5B9, rated at 23,300 pounds (103.5 kN) thrust. No hardware changes were required for these new ratings.

Air France is scheduled to begin taking delivery of its A318s in October of this year. In addition to the Air France (15 firm, 10 option) and Frontier (five firm, five option) orders, GE Capital Aviation Services has 30 CFM56-5B-powered A318s on order and will receive its first aircraft in 2004.

The CFM56-5B engines for the A318 are the same as those powering the Airbus A319/ A320/A321. As the only engine that can power every model of the A320 family with the same bill of materials, the CFM56-5B provides airlines a distinct commonality advantage, in addition to the lowest cost of operation on this application. The CFM56-5 has been selected to power 57% of all A320 family aircraft ordered to date.

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