CFM International's fourth CFM56 maintenance training centre has opened in Hyderabad in India to support its customers in the country and the region.
This facility mirrors those in China, France and the USA and will provide hands-on training for the maintenance of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, says the engine manufacturer. When fully operational, the centre will have the capacity to train 500 students annually.
"India is one of the most dynamic economies in the world and the long-term potential is virtually limitless," says Eric Bachelet, president and chief executive of CFM International. "At CFM, we are very pleased and proud to be a part of the aviation infrastructure here in India and to help support the continued growth of this industry in the region."
The first CFM56 engines entered service with Jet Airways in 1994, and the company says that there are more then 500 CFM56 engines in service or on order in the region. These power Airbus and Boeing aircraft for Air India, Air India Express, Go Air, and SpiceJet, as well as airlines in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
CFM also provides engines for the Indian government's VIP fleet of Boeing Business Jets, in addition to commercial applications. In January 2009, the CFM56-7B-powered Boeing P-8I was selected to provide long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to the Indian navy.
CFM's parent companies, Snecma and General Electric, also have Indian investments. In 2007, Snecma's 50:50 joint venture with HAL reached full production capability and supplies tubes and pipes for CFM56 engines. GE's large commercial engines such as the CF6 and the GE90 have been operating in India since 1982.
Both companies also have extensive research and development capabilities in the country.
Source: Flight International