EVENDALE, OHIO - Malév Ltd., the national air carrier of Hungary, has ordered two firm and six option Bombardier CRJ200 extended range (ER) regional jet aircraft, powered by GE's CF34-3B1 engine. The potential engine value, including the option orders, is more than $32 million. 



The two firm aircraft, which are scheduled to enter service in June and July of this year respectively, are the first regional jet aircraft purchased by the airline as part of its fleet development strategy aimed at strengthening its regional role. 



"Malév represents a growing trend of national airlines expanding on their existing route structure and using regional jets to provide complementary and reliable service for their customers," said David Joyce, general manager of Small Commercial Engine Programs for GE Aircraft Engines. "GE is firmly committed to supporting Malév's growth plans." 



Malév Express, 100% owned by Malév Ltd., will operate the regional aircraft from Ferihegy airport on routes complementing its parent company's existing service network. 



GE's CF34-3 engine entered service in 1992 and currently powers more than 580 CRJ aircraft flown by 33 airlines worldwide. GE's CF34-3 series turbofan engines, which have accumulated nearly 9 million flight hours powering Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 aircraft, have set new standards in engine reliability and performance. 



In addition to the recently purchased CRJ200s, Malév operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 737-300/-400/-500 aircraft powered by the CFM56-3 and two Boeing 767-200ERs powered by the CF6-80C2 on routes throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. 



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 Moteurs 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 www.geae.com.