US Airways Signs Aftermarket Agreement with IAE Through 2032

Released on Monday, July 14, 2008

IAE International Aero Engines announced today that US Airways, Inc. has signed a long-term aftermarket agreement covering V2500-A5 engines that power the airline's fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. The contract will run up to 2032 and is currently IAE's largest aftermarket maintenance agreement.

This contract will initially cover 74 V2500-A5 powered aircraft already in service and engines for a further 78 firm aircraft that US Airways ordered last year. Through this agreement, IAE will assume responsibility for scheduling and delivering a complete engine maintenance program.

US Airways' Senior Vice President, Technical Operations Hal Heule said: "The V2500 offers significant advantages in terms of fuel burn and lowest total emissions and IAE's comprehensive support package will ensure that we can maximize the associated benefits."

Jon Beatty, President and CEO of IAE, added: "Aftermarket agreements represent more of a partnership arrangement and this deal further strengthens the long-standing relationship we share with US Airways that spans nearly 20 years. Market acceptance for our aftermarket services is growing and now over half of the V2500s in service or on order are covered by such agreements, demonstrating widespread confidence in our services strategy."

US Airways will be the first North American operator of the new SelectOneTM build standard when it takes delivery later this year, which will enable the airline to benefit from an additional one percent fuel burn saving on top of the existing advantage offered by the V2500-A5.

The 22,000-33,000lb of thrust V2500-A5 is available in seven different thrust settings to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the A319 Corporate Jet. More than 5,000 V2500 engines are in service or on firm order.

The SelectOne™ build standard delivers an additional one percent fuel burn advantage, along with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. It will improve time-on-wing by up to 20 percent, and demonstrate compliance with the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards. It is due to enter into service later this year.