IAE celibrates first Moscow-based V2500 operator

Avianova, a low-cost start-up airline based in Moscow, accepted delivery of its first IAE-powered Airbus A320 last month. The airline is due to commence operations next week with flights from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport.

IAE Vice President - Europe, CIS and Africa, Jim Masotti, said: "We are delighted to welcome Avianova as our first operator based in Russia. The country's aviation industry has strong potential for long-term growth making it an important market for IAE. We maintain a 50 percent market share on the A320 family globally with over 180 customers and operators worldwide, and we're excited to see the V2500 fly with a Russian operator."

Andrew Pyne, a Moscow-based representative of Avianova's shareholders, added: "As Russia's new low-cost carrier, we have to focus on minimizing our operating expenses to enable us to consistently offer the lowest fares in the market. The V2500 provides significant financial advantages on the A320 that directly affect our cost base, mainly through its lower fuel burn, but also due to its overall lower maintenance cost."

The V2500 first received a Russia type certificate in 1994 and currently flies into the region with 15 airline customers. The engine is certified to operate in the harshest environments found in the country.

The IAE exhibit at MAKS is located in Hall F3. It will showcase the technology that makes the V2500 the market leader on the A320. As the most technologically advanced engine for the aircraft, the V2500 offers a significant fuel burn advantage, which results in a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

The 22,000-33,000lb of thrust V2500 is available in seven different thrust settings to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the A319 Corporate Jet. More than 5,500 V2500 engines are in service or on firm order, with more than 180 customers around the world.

The latest V2500 SelectOne™ upgrade improves time-on-wing by up to 20 percent, and will be compliant with the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards. It entered service exactly on time in October 2008.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Rolls-Royce (RR.L.), Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.