TAIPEI, Taiwan - EVA Airways of Taiwan today announced the purchase of eight GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777 aircraft, including both the 777-300ER and 777-200LR models. The new engine order, which is a follow-on to a 2000 order for seven GE-powered 777s, is valued at approximately $350 million. The airline will begin taking delivery in 2005. 

Said EVA President, Steve Lin, "The high technology GE90 has really distinguished itself in terms of reliability, low fuel burn, low cost of ownership, and clean, quite operation. These are all assets that will help EVA solidify its leading position in the international marketplace. We've had a great relationship with GE in the past and are looking forward to continuing that well into the future." 

EVA Airways began operation in 1991 and has since become one of the fastest growing airlines in Asia. With an extensive fleet of wide-body aircraft, EVA operates passenger and cargo routes to 43 cities around the world. 

"We are honored by EVA's continued confidence in our products," said Roger Seager, vice president of Sales for GE Aircraft Engines. "We've been with this airline from the beginning, powering its entire wide-body fleet. We are also partners in a very successful service shop in Taipei. This latest order is a natural extension of that very successful relationship." 

EVA operates a fleet of 19 Boeing 747-400s, 12 MD-11 freighters, and eight Boeing 767s powered by the CF6-80C2. In early 2003, the airline began operating Airbus A330s powered by the CF6-80E1. The airline has taken delivery of four of these aircraft, with six additional A330s still on order. EVA plans to use the new 777 jetliners on non-stop international routes between Taipei and the United States and destinations throughout Europe. 

The GE90-powered 777-300ER was certified in March of this year by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), paving the way for entry into revenue service with Air France later this month. The GE90-115B is the largest and most powerful commercial jet engine in the world. Certified at an unprecedented 115,000 lbs. of thrust, the engine is the exclusive powerplant for Boeing's 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft. 

To support a successful entry into service, GE is continuing its aggressive four-year reliability and maturation test program. Three development GE90-115B engines will undergo simulations to replicate 20 years of airline service. Engineers will evaluate the development engines to resolve durability issues before they occur in the field. 

GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), part of GE Transportation of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and GE. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.