Avio joins Snecma to design and produce key elements of the advanced new generation LEAP engine

Avio, Italy’s leading aerospace company, and Snecma, the world-class manufacturer of aircraft and rocket engines (Safran Group), today finalised a commercial agreement to work on the new LEAP aircraft engine family. Avio will be responsible for the design and production of key elements of the low-pressure turbine: stator stages, disc and casing. Compared to Avio’s current involvement in the CFM56 engine family, it has increased its involvement with Snecma threefold, generating global revenues up to € 9 billion over the life of the LEAP program, at list price. LEAP is a next-generation engine for narrowbody aircraft, developed, produced and marketed by CFM International – a world leader in aircraft propulsion. The engine will power the Airbus 320neo, Boeing 737MAX and COMAC C919. LEAP is expected to enter commercial service in 2016. LEAP is at the forefront of technological developments in the aeronautical sector. Sustainability has been a central tenet in the engine’s development. The new engine will lead to: - A 15 percent better fuel efficiency vs current CFM56 engines

- A 50 percent lower NOx emissions vs CAEP/6 standards

- A 75 percent reduction of the noise footprint Francesco Caio, CEO of Avio, said: “Avio’s participation in the LEAP programme is a natural development from our collaboration in the CFM56 engine which, from 1985 to the present day, has established itself as a bestseller for passenger aircraft. LEAP will be one of the major engines of the future. Avio will provide its knowledge in design, development and production of components and aeronautical systems, making a considerable contribution to our company’s growth.”