ATLANTA, GA -- Smyrna Air Center and GE Aviation have incorporated new, enhanced features to the Power 90 Upgrade Program.
"Smyrna Air Center, along with GE Aviation, is dedicated to providing exceptional service to King Air owners and operators," said Bob Fields, president of Smyrna Air Center. "We are proud to incorporate these new offerings to the Power 90 Upgrade Program to enhance our customers' experience."
The Power 90 Upgrade Program is a conversion program for owners of King Air 90, in which the installed engines are replaced with the powerful 705 shaft-horsepower (shp) GE M601E-11A engines. Owners of King Air C90 aircraft who take advantage of the Power 90 Upgrade Program and upgrade engines to the GE M601E-11A engine will gain "...significantly increased operating efficiency, reduced variable costs, and net savings..." according to a July 2010 study by Conklin & de Decker performed for GE Aviation. The comparative analysis of the GE engine against its competition was acknowledged by Vref, which recently recognized 100 percent of the conversion cost in the value added to a C90 when the GE engine upgrade was selected.
Key enhancements to the Power 90 Upgrade Program include:
Lower operating costs: GE's M601E-11A engines will no longer have a calendar limit. This new feature combined with no hot section inspection for the engine will reduce operating costs for King Air owners with lower utilization.
Improved resale value: The Time Between Overhauls (TBOs) under the Power 90 Upgrade Program will be increased from 2,000 hours to 3,000 hours, which is a testament to the engine's durability and will provide additional engine life for operators with higher utilization. Both the extended TBO and calendar limit removal add to the aircraft's resale value.
Increased speed and power: The Power 90 Upgrade Program will now also include a four-blade propeller option, which provides operators with flexibility and increased speed and power due to weight reduction benefits. The propeller source is based in the U.S. with local service and support.
New model: The Power 90 Upgrade Program conversion for King Air 90 aircraft will expand to include the E90, A90, B90 and C90 aircraft model.
Expanding service network: Smyrna Air Center recently named Stevens Aviation as a Power 90 Designated Engine Installer. Stevens Aviation has operations across the U.S., providing heavy aircraft maintenance, upgrade, completion and modification services, new and used aircraft sales and charter services.
About Smyrna Air Center
Smyrna Air Center is Middle Tennessee's one-stop aviation support center located in Smyrna, TN, near Nashville. Smyrna Air Center is a state-of-the art facility which houses a Full-Service FBO, aircraft management and brokerage, charter services, and a 145 Repair Station offering full Maintenance and Avionics. For more information and additional services, visit http://www.smyrnaaircenter.com.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.