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First China-Assembled A320 Flies at AirshowZHUHAI, CHINA, Nov 13, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- A Sichuan Airlines A320 aircraft powered by V2500 engines flew above the crowds at the Zhuhai Airshow today. The aircraft was assembled and delivered in 2009 from the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly Line China (FALC) -- the first aircraft for the FALC. The flight demonstration provided by Sichuan was a testimony to the success they have had flying the fleet of A320 family aircraft powered by the V2500 engines. According to officials at Sichuan Airlines, the airline is proud to fly the first A320 assembled in Tianjin. They are happy with the performance of the aircraft and the reliability that the V2500 engine delivers. The V2500 engine's performance has enabled the airline to provide reliable and efficient operations, enhancing the value they offer their customers. Sichuan Airlines was IAE's launch customer in China and has been an exclusive V2500 operator for 16 years. They fly the V2500 to many destinations, including high-altitude destinations such as Lhasa and Jiuzhai. They currently have a total of more than 80 V2500-powered aircraft in service and on order. IAE President, Jon Beatty said, "It was an honor to have the demonstration of the first delivered A320 from the Tianjin facility at the airshow. As the launch customer for the V2500 in China, it was a proud moment for us that Sichuan also received the first assembled A320 in China. Their dedication to the V2500 engine is a testament to the reliability and success of our engine program." On September 25, 2012, the FALC celebrated another milestone with the delivery of the 100th A320 assembled. The aircraft was also powered by V2500 engines and was delivered to Air China. Of the 100 assembled A320s, IAE has powered 53 aircraft. IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders are comprised of Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines. To date, more than 5,000 engines have been delivered and nearly 2,000 more engines are on order with close to 200 customers around the world. SOURCE: IAE International Aero Engines AG |