GE90 Incorporates Latest Engine Technology; Enables Reliable and Cost-Effective Operations
February 5, 2003 -- BANGALORE, India -- GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company and the world's leading producer of large and small jet engines for commercial and military aircraft, today announced at Aero India 2003 that it is offering its GE90 aircraft engine in India. Specifically designed for the Boeing 777 currently being considered by Air India, the GE90 is the world's most powerful turbofan and represents GE Aircraft Engines' investment in the future of wide-body aircraft.The GE90 engine incorporates the latest engine technology enabling airlines to achieve the high service reliability demanded by customers, as well as the lowest fuel costs and the best revenue-generating capability necessary for airlines to operate profitably within the highly competitive aviation industry.
Since the introduction of Boeing's longer-range 777 in early 2000, the GE90 has been the best-selling engine for that aircraft family. Its advantages include:
- Lowest noise of the engines for the 777, to meet the most demanding noise restrictions now and in the future.
- Lowest fuel burn of the engines for the 777.
- Emissions margins more than sufficient to meet any foreseeable requirements.
For Air India, the GE90-94B engine represents the operational flexibility that will enable the airline to operate from New Delhi and Mumbai to destinations in Europe, Africa and the U.S.A., including noise-sensitive airports such as London-Heathrow, with excellent reliability, lower fuel costs and higher revenues.
"We are excited about the opportunity to extend our long-standing relationship with Air India by offering the GE90 for its Boeing 777-200ERs," said David Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines. "The GE90 is best positioned to help Air India achieve its goal of sustaining long-term profitability as it continues its rapid growth and modernization initiatives."
Since announcing the development of a new engine family that would grow with the 777 aircraft, GE has invested more than $2.0 billion in the GE90 program. In total, twenty-one customers have ordered 225 firm and 44 option GE90-powered 777 aircraft, with a firm engine value of more than $7.0 billion. Snecma Moteurs, FiatAvio and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (IHI) are revenue-sharing participants in the GE90 program.
Currently, GE Aircraft Engines and CFM International (a 50:50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE) power over 61 large jet aircraft in India's civil aviation fleet, including two Boeing 747s and 40 Boeing 737s.
GE is one of the largest investors in India. GE employs over 18,000 direct and 7,000 additional employees through sourcing activities with leading software suppliers. It generates revenues of over Rs. 5,000 crores across a number of local businesses with exports amounting to over $1 billion to GE businesses and customers around the world.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.
