New Delhi, January 7:

CFM International will shortly set up an Aircraft Engine Training School in India to impart advanced courses in maintenance of its CFM56 engine that powers all the short-and-medium haul Boeing 737s and a majority of Airbus 320 series aircraft.

Paul-Andre Chevrin, director of civil operations in India for the French aviation major Snecma, said that this will be the fourth school of its kind in the world and it would train some 500 engineers from India and other countries in South Asia.

CFM International, the world’s leading aero-engine manufacturer, is a 50:50 partnership between Snecma and General Electric of the US. Its CFM56 has powered all the Boeing 737 engines produced in the last 23 years, and it is also offered on the Airbus A320 family. Over half of all aircraft engines produced in the last five years are CFM56.

Chevrin said that an evaluation was on to choose a suitable location for the school. This should be a place with substantial existing aviation activity. CFM will provide two dedicated engines, one each for Boeing B737 and Airbus A320 applications, as well as instructors and the training material for the school. It is looking for a partner in India to provide the building and logistics for the school. It has three similar schools at present - in the US, France and China. Engines usually represent about 25 per cent of an aircraft’s price.

A CFM56 engine logs an average operational flying time of 10 hours per day, or roughly, 3,000 hours per year. It can be serviced without removal for up to 20,000 flights, with a record set at 36,000 hours.

In comparison, a motorcar engine is required to be fully overhauled after 3,000 hours or running. Chevrin said that aviation growth in India was tremendous and the training at the CFM School — given to already-trained engineers — would help strengthen proficiency and safety standards.