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GE Aviation’s Passport engine enters service on Bombardier Global 7500* business jet

January 17, 2019

GE Aviation’s Passport, the first ultra-long-range business jet engine, officially entered service on Dec. 20 during a ceremony by Bombardier Business Aircraft celebrating the delivery of its first Global 7500* luxury aircraft. Bombardier’s Global 7500* jet promises to revolutionize the market and significantly change the private aviation landscape. With its signature smooth ride, four true living spaces and the longest range in the industry, the Global 7500** business jet offers unmatched performance and comfort.

This milestone was complemented by news on Dec. 18 that GE Aviation secured type certification for Passport by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Passport was certified in 2016 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“The delivery of the first Bombardier Global 7500* aircraft powered by Passport is a proud moment for GE Aviation and we’d like to congratulate Bombardier Business Aircraft on their tremendous achievement,” said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of business and general aviation & integrated systems for GE Aviation. “We are excited to show the world the performance and efficiencies this engine will deliver to Global 7500* aircraft customers and business aviation. Passport has met or exceeded current specifications for standard fuel consumption, weight, noise and emission. It is the culmination of many years of development efforts from GE employees, partners and suppliers located around the world.”

Passport production engines are manufactured and maintained at GE Aviation’s facility in Strother, KS, where an extensive production ramp up continues as planned. Passport engines are ground tested at GE Aviation’s test site in Peebles, OH, with the same rigor as GE’s commercial engines. Twelve Passport engines and a dedicated team were used in the rigorous ground and flight test program.

“For the past two years, 12 technicians from GE’s customer & product service team were dedicated to support Bombardier’s Global 7500* aircraft flight test program,” said Jim Stoker, general manager for business and general aviation support for GE Aviation. “This allowed us to gain significant operational knowledge on the Passport engine.” “This experience combined with our top-rated service and support network will provide our Global 7500* aircraft customers the most advanced support in the industry.”

Coupled with GE’s OnPoint – a full coverage, concierge, flight hour, service program – the Passport engine will maximize Global 7500* aircraft availability and long-term value. GE’s OnPoint program provides Passport customers a full risk-transfer service program for the complete propulsion system while providing increased residual value, aircraft availability and the peace of mind of 100% OEM support.

“GE Aviation has a strong reputation of providing customers with flawless entry into service, and we want this tradition to continue with the Passport engine,” said Dave Kircher, general manager of regional engines and services for GE Aviation. “We look forward to our Passport customers having this same experience.”

Designed expressly for the large-cabin, global-range business aircraft market, Passport benefits from the breadth of GE’s large commercial engine experience. It includes a high-performance core similar to the CFM** LEAP engine which has more than 3 million flight hours since entering service in 2016.

The 18,000-pound thrust Passport is more than just an engine. It is a uniquely conceived, integrated propulsion system comprising the engine and cowling nacelle blended together, in a unified design. Passport’s advanced tehhnology will provide passengers with the ability to fly ultra-long-range with minimized cabin noise to provide higher levels of comfort as they fly.

* Registered or unregistered trademark of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
**CFM is a 50/50 joint company between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines