GE Aviation’s CF6-80E1 engines have been selected by Aircraft Purchase Fleet (APFL) for 12 of its Airbus A330 aircraft.

The $400m contract also includes an option for eight additional aircrafts.

APFL selected GE Aviation as its engines supplier for the A330 aircraft because of the advanced technology and high reliability of the CF6-80E1 engines, GE said.

The CF6-80E1 was advanced in 2006 to improve performance retention, lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

The delivery of the engines is expected to begin in 2010.