Evendale -- Finnair has selected GE's CF6-80E1 engines to power seven twin-engine, fuel-efficient Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The engines will be the first to incorporate the new high-pressure turbine upgrade that is part of the Tech CF6 program.
Engine delivery will begin in March 2009. The engine deal is valued at more than $140 million (USD) list price.
"Finnair and GE have built a strong relationship through the carrier's fleet of CF6-powered MD-11 aircraft," said Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of GE Aviation. "We are very excited Finnair has selected the CF6 engines with the Tech CF6 upgrade. This will help us further expand our relationship."
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 300 million flight-hours in service with more than 250 customers worldwide.
In 2006, GE launched the Tech CF6 program to incorporate advanced technology into the engine's high-pressure turbine area. The new technologies include high-pressure turbine airfoil cooling advancements that will enhance operational reliability, lower maintenance costs and improve fuel burn retention. Starting in mid-2008, the Tech CF6 advanced technology will be standard on CF6-80E1 production engines.
"Finnair has had great operational experience with our current CF6-powered MD-11 aircraft," said Jukka Hienonen, president and CEO of Finnair. "With this new improved turbine airfoil technology, we are looking forward to the new efficient engines saving fuel and the environment and providing even better reliability."
Finnair will use its A330s mainly on long-haul routes enhancing its European-Asian network. In addition to augmenting its current fleet, the new aircraft will support the airline's continued growth.
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.