Libyan Airlines to Power New A320s

Libyan Airlines has reportedly become a new CFM International customer with the selection of CFM56-5B engines to power seven firm, five option Airbus A320 family aircraft.

The firm engine order is valued at approximately US$95 million and the airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery in mid-2010. Libyan Airlines, founded in 1964 as the national flag carrier of Libya, operates scheduled passenger and cargo services within Libya and Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Libyan Airlines and Libya's other state carrier Afriqiyah Airways, have recently been grouped under Libyan African Aviation Holding Company, an organisation created to coordinate the development of the Libyan air transportation. Capt Mohamed Ibsem, chief executive officer of Libyan Airlines said they were pleased to announce the selection of the highly reliable CFM56-5B/3 engines to power this new Airbus A320 order.

On his part, Eric Bachelet, President and CEO of CFM International said they were honoured to welcome Libyan Airlines to the CFM family of operators. "This order demonstrates the airline's trust in the CFM56 engine and we look forward to a long relationship together," he said.- Tripoli Post