Garuda Indonesia partners with China’s CFM International over the airline’s 737 MAX Fleet

State-run flag-carrier PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk (GIAA) and China’s CFM International have announced the expansion of their long-term partnership, under which, CFM will provide support for the airline’s future fleet revitalization program.

Under the arrangement, Garuda is committed to purchase 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

“The Next-Generation 737 with CFM56-7B engines is the backbone of our current fleet and this order for the 737 MAX shows our continued commitment to providing our passengers with the most modern, fuel efficient aircraft/engine combination available today,” said Arif Wibowo, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of Garuda Indonesia.

Garuda Indonesia is a long-time CFM customer and began operating the CFM56-3-powered Boeing 737-300 in the late 1990s. Today, the airline’s fleet includes approximately 80 CFM-powered 737 aircraft in service or on order.

“We are pleased that Garuda Indonesia has continued to place its trust in CFM,” said Max York, Regional General Manager of Sales for CFM International.

The LEAP engine is to be the most advanced, reliable, fuel-efficient powerplant for the new generation of single-aisle aircraft.

Garuda said the lower weight and higher durability these components provide will result in a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, with an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions; a 50 per cent margin to new emissions regulations; a dramatically lower noise signature; CFM’s industry-leading reliability and low overall operating costs.

Garuda announced in October 2014 the airline’s intent to purchase 50 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The agreement is part of the airliner’s revitalization program in order to provide its passengers with the best possible experience with the youngest fleet in the sky and to support the airline’s future plan to further expand its network globally.

The airliner currently operates more than 90 Boeing airplanes, including Next-Generation versions of the 737, 777-300ERs and 747-400s.