Press Release
Relatively minor differences exist between the GE90-92B engine, which will be rated at 92,000 pounds of thrust, and the baseline GE90-85 engine, which was certified at 84,700 pounds of thrust in February of this year. The GE90-92B high pressure turbine incorporates additional cooling features, plus thermal barrier coating on the stage 1 blades. In the low pressure turbine, new materials are used in the first two stages of blades and first three stages of vanes.
Testing will continue into 1996, with engine certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expected in mid-year. Following engine certification, flight testing of the engine on the Boeing 777 will culminate in certification of the GE90-92B-powered 777 aircraft, scheduled for late 1996. In that case, the GE90-92B/Boeing 777 will be the first engine/aircraft combination to be FAA-certified for the 777-200IGW operating range of 7200 nautical miles.
In addition, the first production GE90-92B-powered 777, set for delivery to launch customer British Airways in December 1996 will be the first 777-200IGW to enter revenue service. The baseline GE90-85 engine enters service on a British Airways 777 this year.
To date, the total value of GE90 orders from eight customers exceeds $2.5 billion. Of the 15 firm and 15 option GE-powered 777s ordered by British Airways, five are for 777-200 (4500 nautical mile range) operation, and the balance are for 777-200IGW aircraft. China Southern Airlines also plans to fly both aircraft: four 777-200s and two 777-200IGWs. The remaining GE90-powered 777 customers -- Continental, Euralair, Lauda, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), and Saudia -- have ordered 777-200IGW aircraft exclusively.
As a result, the GE90 will power more than two/thirds of the Boeing 777-200IGW aircraft currently on order.
