ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI -- General Electric Co. (GE) forecasts the number of small commercial jets in service will more than triple in the next 20 years, increasing from 2,000 aircraft in 2004 to 6,800 aircraft in 2023. 

GE expects its CF34 engine order book to reach 400 this year. Engine deliveries will top 400 this year, marking the third consecutive year of more than 400 engines delivered to customers. 

"The small commercial jet segment remains dynamic, though healthy overall," said Charles Blankenship, general manager of GE's Small Commercial Engine Operation. "We anticipate growing the installed base of CF34 engines to double the current size by 2008, with newer deliveries favoring the larger 70-90 passenger aircraft. The continued growth enables us to invest in new technology to improve durability and lower the cost of ownership for our customers." 

The CF34 engine family includes: 

CF34-3: Powering the Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200, the CF34-3A1 and –3B1 engines (9,000 pound thrust class) have proven to be the world's most reliable engines for regional jets, accumulating more than 16.2 million flight hours. The CF34-3 powers 880 of the 50-passenger Bombardier aircraft in service. 

CF34-8: The CF34-8C1 (13,800 pounds of thrust) powers 128 of the 70-passenger Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft. The CF34-8C5 (14,500 pounds of thrust) powers 18 of the 86-passenger Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The CF34-8E (14,500-pounds of thrust) entered service in April of this year with the Polish flag carrier LOT, powering the 70-passenger EMBRAER 170 aircraft. 

CF34-10: The CF34-10 (18,500 pounds of thrust) successfully completed its first flight in March of this year, powering the 90-passsenger EMBRAER 190. Aircraft certification is scheduled for July 2005 with entry into service with jetBlue scheduled for August 2005. The other member of the CF34-10 family, the CF34-10A (18,000 pounds of thrust) will power China's ARJ21 regional jet. The CF34-10A is scheduled to begin testing next year, with delivery targeted for 2008. 

GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), part of GE Transportation of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and GE. 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.