EVENDALE, OHIO -- Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the purchase of five additional GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 



"We are obviously pleased that Cathay Pacific has chosen to make GE such an integral part of its future," said Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of GE Aviation. "We believe the GE90-115B will provide the range, fuel efficiency, and environmental characteristics to fully support this airline's plans to expand its network and connectivity while providing a great travel experience for its customers." 



As one of the world's pre-eminent airlines, Cathay Pacific has long been noted for both the technical excellence of its fleet and its world-class service. This latest order brings the airline's GE90-powered fleet to 23 aircraft, with deliveries extending through 2011. Cathay Pacific is scheduled to take delivery of its first 777-300ER in September 2007. 



The GE90-115B, which is the world's largest and most powerful engine, entered service in 2004 and the fleet achieved the one million flight hour milestone earlier this year. GE has sold more than 750 GE90-115B/-110B engines to date and the production rates for this engine family will double to nearly 200 engines annually by 2008. These rates are the result of the dramatic success of the GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-300ER and the GE90-110B-powered 777-200LR and 777 Freighter. 



The GE90-115B engine is one the quietest engines based on per pound of thrust with superior fuel burn and low overall emissions due in part to its improved combustor. The combustor technology emits no more than 40 percent of the hydrocarbons that will be allowed by 2008 international standards. 



Snecma of France, Avio SpA. of Italy, and IHI of Japan are revenue-sharing participants in the GE90 program. 



The GE90 engine is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio--GE's commitment to develop new, cost-effective technologies that enhance customers' environmental and operating performance. 



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.