easyJet selects CFM as engine supplier for new fleet

Budget airline easyJet has selected CFM International to provide 270 engines to power its 35 ordered Airbus current generation A320 aircraft and 100 Airbus new generation A320neo aircraft.The current generation aircraft are planned for delivery between 2015 and 2017 and the new generation aircraft are planned for delivery from 2017 until 2022.CFM will also provide engines if easyJet chooses to exercise 100 purchase rights over A320neo aircraft.After "extensive negotiations" with CFM, easyJet said it achieved a modest improvement in pricing, though details of the deal are confidential.Chief Executive Carolyn McCall said that after a thorough selection process CFM "offered us the best overall deal"."The engines will help easyJet to maintain its low cost base and the new generation A320neo is expected to deliver a cost per seat saving of between 11% and 12% compared to the current generation A319. They will also provide important environmental benefits through a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in noise."The framework arrangements for the aircraft orders and their related engines received shareholder approval last week, easyJet said.BC