China Southern Becomes IAE'S Largest Customer

China Southern has distinguished itself as International Aero Engines' largest customer. Its order for 65-Select One engines, which was announced today, will bring the total number of China Southern airplanes in service and on order powered by the V2500 to 177.

In addition China Southern has selected a long term engine maintenance agreement. Deliveries for this latest order will begin in May 2012. The total value of the agreement is in excess of $750M.

"We have been a customer-focused company for more than a quarter of a century. This mindset has enabled us to build close relationships with the many airlines and operators who have selected V2500," said IAE President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Aitken. "Our relationship with China Southern reflects our approach to continuously upgrading the capabilities, reliability, maintainability, and efficiencies that our engine offers, enhancing its value to our customers."

With hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing, China Southern is the world's third largest global airline, operating in nearly 900 cities within 169 countries. By fleet size, it is the largest airline in China and sixth largest in the world.

"We are very pleased with the performance, quality, reliability, and continuous improvements that the V2500 engines provide for our growing fleet of A320 aircraft. It is long-term relationships with partners such as International Aero Engines that have enabled us to achieve the successes we've established over these many years," commented China Southern President Mr. Tan Wangeng.

China Southern maintains one of the best flight-safety records in the world, proud of its outstanding reliability and performance. The airline also displays its commitment to V2500 engines through its joint venture repair and overhaul facility with MTU Aero Engines, an IAE shareholder.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney UTX +0.02% , Rolls-Royce UK:RR +0.17% , Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines. There are more than 5,500 V2500s in service or on firm order with nearly 200 customers around the world.




FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tim Burris
International Aero Engines AG
mobile 1.860.830.0919

At Paris: Hall No 5 //Stand D242; chalet Aisle D, Unit No. 70
timothy.burris@iaev2500.com





SOURCE: IAE International Aero Engines AG