Indian, formerly known as Indian Airlines, yesterday signed the final agreement with CFM International to equip its new fleet of 43 Airbus A320 family aircraft - scheduled for delivery between late 2006 and 2010 – with CFM56-5B engines worth more than $500-million.

Indian ordered the new batch of 43 aircraft as part of a fleet expansion and renewal programme. The airline recently took delivery of leased CFM56-5B-powered A319s, making it the first A319 operator in India.

The CFM56-5B engines are rated at 23,500lb (105kN), 27,000lb and 32,000lb thrust respectively for the A319, A320 and A321.

Source: Flight Daily News