EVENDALE, Ohio -- Afriqiyah Airways has ordered GE's CF6-80E1 engines to power its three firm and three option Airbus A330 aircraft. The firm engine order is valued at more than $100 million list price. Deliveries will begin in May 2009. 



Capt. Sabri Shadi, Afriqiyah Airways President and Chairman, declared: "Afriqiyah Airways is pleased to select once more another engine type of GE products to fly its new A330-200s planned for delivery on mid 2009. This would surely enhance our relationship with GE Aviation, and we look forward to be provided with their support services that could ensure realizing the benefits which are trusted by GE for their customers." 



"While Afriqiyah Airways currently operates CFM56* engines on its A320 fleet, this is the airline's first GE engine order," said Jack Lutze, vice president of sales for GE Aviation's Western Europe and Africa region. "GE Aviation is very excited to be a part of the airlines' growth plans. With outstanding fuel efficiency and overall low cost of ownership, the CF6-80E1 engine will bring many benefits to Afriqiyah Airways for years to come." 



GE's CF6 engines have been among the most utilized and reliable in the industry. Powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft, the engine has established an unparalleled record of reliability and compiled more than 320 million flight-hours in service with more than 250 customers worldwide. 



GE remains committed to the CF6-80E1 engine and continues to invest in technology improvements for the engine. These advancements, along with proactive maintenance and operational procedures, have significantly increased the engine's time on wing in the last four years. 



This year, the CF6-80E1 engine began incorporating the advanced technology from the Tech CF6 program on production engines. The new improved technology includes high pressure turbine airfoil advancements that enhance operational reliability, lower maintenance costs and improve fuel burn retention. 



Based in Tripoli, Afriqiyah Airways is 100 percent controlled by the Libyan government. The company started in December 2001 and has expanded operations to include domestic and international routes from Africa to Europe. 



GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. 



*CFM is a registered trademark of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma and GE.