CFM56-3 Upgrade

This upgrade modifies key components to improve maintenance costs while lowering fuel burn. In the compressor, 3D aerodynamic design-improved component efficiencies yield 25 percent to 40 percent time on wing over the base model (23°C increase in EGT Margin (EGTM)) and 1.6 percent fuel burn improvement.

When CFM set out to design an upgrade for the largest fleet of aircraft engines in the world, the goal was to both lower maintenance costs and achieve better fuel efficiency leading to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases. The 200+ engines that have been upgraded thus far have exceeded expectations.

The upgraded engines already in service are saving approximately three million gallons of fuel per year. That translates to 30,000 gallons per aircraft per year. Once the 355 engine upgrades sold thus far have been installed, the savings are estimated to be more than 5.3 million gallons annually.

In addition to reducing the amount of fuel consumed, greenhouse gas emissions are dramatically cut. This is especially true for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which directly contribute to global warming. The engines already converted are reducing CO2 emissions by 23,400 tons per year. Once all the upgrades sold have been installed, that number becomes 41,550 tons per year, or 234 tons per aircraft per year.

To date, more than 500 CFM56-3 upgrade kits have been ordered by six airlines, including Southwest Airlines, China Southern, and Alaska Airlines.

The CFM56-3, sole powerplant for the Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 series of aircraft, is one of the best-selling commercial engines in history. More than 4,500 are currently in service with nearly 200 operators around the globe. The engines were built between 1982 and 1999.

* CFM56 engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE and Snecma of France.