EVENDALE, Ohio -- Cathay Pacific Airways today announced orders for two additional GE90-powered advanced 777-300ERs, bringing its total commitment to 18 aircraft.
In December 2005, the airline made commitments for 16 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with purchase rights for 20 more. Two of these purchase rights have now been exercised. The additional two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be delivered in January and September 2008, while the first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is scheduled to enter service in September 2007.
Cathay Pacific is one of the pre-eminent airlines in the world and has long been noted for both the technical excellence of its fleet and its world-class service. The airline was named "Airline of the Year 2006" by both Air Transport World (ATW), the leading monthly magazine covering the global aviation industry, and by global travel and transport information company OAG. Cathay Pacific was also voted "Best Airline Based in Asia" and "Best Transpacific Airline" in OAG's awards based on its poll of business travelers. The airline, which will take delivery of its 100th aircraft this summer, will celebrate its 60th anniversary in September.
The GE90-115B is certified at an unprecedented 115,000 pounds (512 kN) thrust and serves as the powerplant for Boeing's 777-300ER, 777-200LR, and the upcoming 777 freighter targeted for entry into service in 2008. A total of nearly 850 GE90 engines have been ordered to date, including nearly 450 GE90-115B engines.
The GE90-115B is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio--GE's commitment to develop new, cost-effective technologies that enhance customers' environmental and operating performance.
Snecma of France, Avio SpA. of Italy, and IHI of Japan are revenue-sharing participants in the GE90 program.
GE - Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also is a world-leading provider of maintenance and support services for jet engines.