Pegasus Selects LEAP-1A Engine for A320neo fleet

WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Pegasus Airlines has selected CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engine to power its new fleet of 75 firm, 25 option A320neo/A321neo aircraft. The airplane order was announced in December 2012 and the airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery of the aircraft in 2016.

The Istanbul-based low cost airline has been a CFM customer since it began operations in 1990. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 43 CFM-powered Boeing 737 aircraft on scheduled routes to 72 domestic and international destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa.

“We chose the LEAP-1A engine after an exhaustive technical evaluation,” said Mr Sentac Haybat, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. “We know from more than 20 years of experience the kind of world-class support CFM provides, but we have been extremely impressed with the level of technology they are bringing to this new engine. The fuel efficiency, environmental characteristics, and cost of ownership make it the right engine for our fleet.”

“We are delighted that Pegasus has chosen to keep CFM as its engine provider of choice,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president & CEO of CFM International. “We are building on a 20+-year relationship and are excited to bring the LEAP engine to this fleet.”

“All customer orders are important, but this win is particularly gratifying,” said Gael Meheust, vice president of sales for CFM. “Pegasus’s selection of the LEAP-1A engine after such an incredibly thorough technical evaluation reinforces the architecture and technology choices we have made.”

The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programs. It will provide 15 percent better fuel consumption and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with a 50 percent reduction in oxides of nitrogen emissions, and up to a 15 decibel reduction in noise. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.