EVENDALE, OHIO - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have certified the GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-300ER for passenger service. These certifications pave the way for initial revenue service by International Lease Finance Corp's customer, Air France, next month. 

The FAA and EASA certifications formally recognize that the twin-engine 777-300ER passed all testing and safety requirements during its eleven-month flight test program. Three 777-300ER flight test aircraft completed nearly 1,500 flight- and 1,000 ground-test hours since the program began in February 2003. To date, Boeing has received 71 orders for 777-300ERs from eight customers. 

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. 

"Currently, the GE90-115B has completed more than 11,000 cycles (25 percent) of flight and ground testing in the maturation program," says Chaker Chahrour, general manager of the GE90 Engine Program. "The engines are performing extremely well in these rigorous tests." 

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. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. 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.