Tyrolean Airways Selects GE CF34-3B1 Engines for Its New Canadair Regional Jets

LYNN, Massachusetts - Tyrolean Airways, of Innsbruck, Austria, is the launch customer for GE's new CF34-3B1 turbofan engines, having selected the engines to power its new Canadair Regional Jets.

Tyrolean Airways has ordered four firm and four option GE-powered Canadair Jets, with delivery of the aircraft to begin in December of this year.

"We are delighted with their decision," said Lloyd Thompson, general manager of the Small Commercial Turbofan Department of GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE). "The -3B1 is an excellent powerplant for serving Tyrolean routes."

Tyrolean Airways will transport nearly 1.4 million passengers this year, operating from all six commercial airports in Austria to 20 destinations in Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

The CF34-3B1 engine provides the Canadair Jet with 2 percent more climb thrust, 3 percent better specific fuel consumption at cruise, and improved hot day characteristics for better takeoff field performance, compared with the CF34-3A1. GEAE achieved the improvements through: higher compressor air flow and efficiency, due largely to a redesigned stage 1 blisk; higher efficiency in the high pressure turbine and low pressure turbine; and modest increases in turbine temperature and fan speed, both of which remain within current certified limits. The CF34-3B1 also retains all the reliability, maintainability, and low-emissions features of the -3A1.

"The successful on-time development and introduction of the CF34-3B1 underscores our continuing firm commitment to the regional airline market and to delivering engines that bring increasing value to our customers," said Thompson.

Lufthansa, Lauda Air, Brit Air, Air Littoral, Comair, Air Canada, and SkyWest currently operate Canadair Jets powered by earlier models of the CF34 engine.