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As passengers settle into their seats aboard a Lufthansa flight, listening to the powerful hum of engines while the aircraft accelerates down the runway, few consider the technological advancements and environmental commitments that make modern air travel possible.

Lufthansa and CFM International recently announced a significant partnership, with the German carrier selecting CFM56-5B engines for its order of 21 Airbus A320 and 2 Airbus A321 aircraft. Valued at approximately $300 million at list prices, this order reaffirms Lufthansa's confidence in CFM's engine technology. These aircraft, originally ordered in September 2010, will be delivered between 2013 and 2014 for operation by both Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines.

As an industry leader, Lufthansa has consistently championed sustainable development, embracing green technologies to minimize aviation's environmental impact—particularly regarding noise and emissions reduction. The Lufthansa Group currently operates 98 Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft powered by CFM engines, along with 41 long-range A340-300 aircraft. Its fleet also includes 63 Boeing 737 Classic aircraft equipped with CFM56 engines, bringing the total to approximately 486 CFM engines across its operations. When including other group members like Germanwings, British Midland Airways, and Austrian Airlines, this number exceeds 650 CFM56 engines.

Throughout its history, Lufthansa has been a driving force in commercial aviation. In recent years, the airline has emerged as one of the industry's most committed advocates for environmentally conscious technologies.

The selected CFM56-5B Tech Insertion engines represent a crucial component in Lufthansa's environmental strategy. These powerplants incorporate multiple technological advancements, including improvements to the high-pressure compressor, combustion chamber, and high/low-pressure turbines—delivering up to 1% better fuel efficiency for operators. This translates to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions while meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection CAEP/6 standards.

Renowned for exceptional reliability, extended service life, and low maintenance costs, the CFM56-5B has become the preferred choice for major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies worldwide. Its operational cost savings and reduced environmental impact make it an ideal solution for sustainable aviation development.

CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aviation, has delivered more than 21,500 engines to date. The CFM56-5B powers all Airbus A320 family variants and has been selected for approximately 55% of all A320 aircraft either in service or on order.

The engine's selection by Lufthansa stems from several key benefits:

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Optimized core components deliver up to 1% better fuel efficiency, reducing both operational costs and carbon emissions.

Lower Emissions: Advanced combustion technology minimizes nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, exceeding ICAO environmental standards.

Improved Reliability: Building on the CFM56 series' renowned dependability, the Tech Insertion version extends service life while reducing maintenance requirements.

Noise Reduction: Design optimizations decrease noise levels, improving comfort for passengers and airport communities.

Lufthansa's latest engine selection continues its longstanding relationship with CFM International. The airline's extensive CFM fleet operations provide valuable feedback for product improvements, while CFM offers comprehensive technical support to ensure optimal fleet performance.

As environmental challenges intensify, sustainable aviation has become a global industry priority. Both Lufthansa and CFM International have incorporated sustainability into their corporate strategies, collaborating to advance greener aviation technologies.

The CFM56-5B engine's selection reflects this shared commitment. Moving forward, both companies plan to deepen their cooperation in developing more efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion systems.

The engine's influence extends far beyond Lufthansa's operations. From major international hubs to regional airports, and from large carriers to smaller operators, the CFM56-5B has become a global aviation mainstay, contributing significantly to the industry's development through its performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.