Safran: very strong revenue growth for first-quarter 2016

Safran reported (26-Apr-2016) the following commercial aviation business highlights for 1Q2016

• LEAP engine programme: Execution of the engine family development programme continues on track and on time;
• • In early Apr-2016, Safran delivered the first series-production LEAP propulsion systems (including the LEAP-1A engine and the nacelle) to Airbus for A320neo, in accordance with the schedule established five years ago. First commercial deliveries to airline customers are expected in summer 2016. The flight test programme of the A320neo and A321neo continues to proceed flawlessly to date with over 800 hours logged in more than 285 flights since May 19, 2015.
  • Certification of the LEAP-1B engine is on track. On 29-Jan-2016, the Boeing 737 MAX performed a flawless first flight which marked the start of a one-year flight test certification program currently involving 3 aircraft. So far more than 310 hours of flight tests have been logged on over 100 flights. Measurements show that the engine is fully on track to meet the desired specifications.
• CFM56 & LEAP backlog: Orders and commitments for 673 LEAP and 542 CFM56 engines were received in 1Q2016, bringing the total CFM International order backlog to 13,949 engines (firm orders and commitments) at end Mar-2016. CFM International's announced orders include engines associated with new aircraft orders and engines chosen separately from aircraft orders which may have been announced by airframers;
• Aircraft equipment: Safran was chosen by Airbus Helicopters to supply the cockpit and rear avionics electrical bays for the H160. [more - original PR]