EVENDALE, OHIO - As part of an aggressive fleet expansion program, Qatar Airways has selected GE's CF6-80E1 engine to power five firm, three option Airbus Industrie A330-200 aircraft. The firm engine order is valued at $120 million.At the same time, the airline awarded GE Engine Services a 10-year Maintenance Cost Per Hour (MCPH^TM) contract. GE's highly successful MCPH^TM programs maintain engines on a flat rate per engine flight hour basis, enabling airlines to accurately forecast operating costs, reduce cost of ownership and improve asset utilization."We completed a very extensive technical evaluation before placing this order," said Akbar Al Baker, president and CEO of Qatar Airways. "We selected GE and the CF6-80E1 based on the engine's outstanding performance and reliability, and the high level of support the company provides its customers.""Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing carriers in the Middle East," said Muhammed Al-Lamadani, general manager of Eastern and Northern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East for GE. "We are delighted that this airline has decided to make GE such an integral part of its growth. Our commitment is to show them, every day, that they have made the right choice."Qatar is scheduled to receive its first A330-200 in 2002. The airline will use the long-range, twin-engine A330s on its routes throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.To meet the challenges of the very demanding environment in which Qatar operates, the aircraft will be powered by the -80E1A3 model, rated at 72,000 pounds takeoff thrust.