Chilean flag carrier LAN Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319 to be powered by CFM International’s CFM56-5B PIP (Performance Improvement Program) engine. The PIP is the new production configuration for all CFM56-5B engines. In 2010, LAN placed the single largest engine order in the company’s history, choosing the CFM56-5B engine to power 70 new Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft for delivery beginning this year. To date, the airline has received five of the new CFM-powered A320s and will have 10 aircraft in service by year-end 2011.

Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry receives massive boost with major investment
The Australian sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry has received a massive boost with a major joint investment. A Queensland biofuel refinery being jointly developed by Jet Zero Australia and LanzaJet is to receive investment from Qantas Group, Airbus, and the Queensland Government. The refinery is looking to produce SAF from agricultural by-products, including sugar cane.