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Republic Airways Finalizes LEAP-1A Engine Order, Signs Long-Term Service Agreement

Dépèche transmise le 16 novembre 2011 par Business Wire

Republic Airways Finalizes LEAP-1A Engine Order, Signs Long-Term Service Agreement

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airways Holdings has finalized its $2 billion order for CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engines to power the 80 A320neo aircraft recently ordered from Airbus. The Company also has signed a Rate per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement with CFM to support all 160 LEAP-1A engines for NEO aircraft. The NEO aircraft will be flown by Republic’s Frontier Airlines subsidiary.

“The addition of this long-term support agreement adds another level of both convenience and predictability that will let us focus our attention on long-term profitable growth.”

Under the terms of the comprehensive services and support agreement, CFM will guarantee engine maintenance costs on a dollar-per-engine-flight-hour basis.

“We believe that the LEAP-1A will be a great engine and a great asset in our operations,” said Bryan Bedford, chairman, president, and CEO of Republic Airways. “The addition of this long-term support agreement adds another level of both convenience and predictability that will let us focus our attention on long-term profitable growth.”

“We are excited to enter into this new partnership with Republic Airways,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “We are honored by the level of trust they have put in our products. Our futures are inextricably linked, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

LEAP engines incorporate revolutionary technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine combines advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology. The 15 percent better engine fuel efficiency, at current fuel prices, could translate to fuel cost savings alone per airplane, per year in excess of $1 million. LEAP technology also will achieve double-digit improvements in CO2 emissions and noise levels, all while providing the industry’s best reliability and lowest maintenance costs.

About Republic Airways Holdings:

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Lynx Aviation, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively "the airlines." The airlines offer scheduled passenger service on approximately 1,500 flights daily to 129 cities in 40 states, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico under branded operations at Frontier and through fixed-fee airline services agreements with five major U.S. airlines. The fixed-fee flights are operated under an airline partner brand, such as AmericanConnection, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ approximately 11,000 aviation professionals and operate 275 aircraft.