AirAsia and GE Aviation Sign MOU for CF6-80E1 Engines

AirAsia X and GE Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the selection of CF6-80E1 engines to power the airline's 25 new firm Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with options for an additional three A330 aircraft.

The engines will be covered by a multi-year OnPoint solution service agreement for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul.

The list price for the engines and the service agreement is valued at more than US$1.5 billion over the life of the agreement.

At the signing ceremony witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, U.S. President Barack Obama, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO said, "To power our new order of 25 additional Airbus A330-300 aircraft, we are pleased to select GE CF6-80E1 engines. GE was selected based on technical reliability and fuel efficiency performance with combined competitive pricing that will ensure AirAsia X maintains our competitive advantage as the world's lowest unit cost airline operator, with industry-leading reliability performance. We firmly intend to be the undisputed global market leader in the long-haul low-cost carrier space."

With this order, GE becomes AirAsia X's second core engine supplier.

"Our fleet size has reached sufficient scale to support two engine types, with sufficient spare engine coverage, specialist engineers and technicians, and strong on-site service commitment from both engine providers. GE's long -standing relationship and track record with the AirAsia Group, gave us confidence to make this selection," said Fernandes.

GE's CF6 engines have been among the most utilized and reliable in the industry. Powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft, the engine family has established an unparalleled record of reliability for more than 40 years with more than 395 million flight-hours in service with more than 200 operators worldwide.

GE Aviation has continuously reinvested in the CF6 platform and is refining component efficiencies across the CF6-80E1 engine to provide improvements in fuel efficiency for Airbus's enhanced A330 aircraft. More than 560 CF6-80E1 engines have been delivered for the Airbus A330 aircraft.

AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus A330-300s, each with a seat configuration of 12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy seats.