The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified a new member of the GE90 engine family for passenger service on twin-engine Boeing 777 aircraft.The FAA certified the GE90-94B/Boeing 777-200ER engine/aircraft combination, paving the way for initial revenue service by Air France this month.The GE90 has become the best-selling engine family for Boeing 777s, with 17 customers ordering GE90 models for 191 firm and 52 option aircraft. To date, GE90 sales are valued at more than $6.5 billion.The GE90-94B is the newest growth derivative, rated at 94,000 pounds of thrust. It builds on the success of its predecessors while incorporating new technologies such as a three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D Aero) high pressure compressor. These features improve fuel burn on the 777 by more than 1 percent and increase the EGT (exhaust gas temperature) margin by approximately 20 degrees Celsius. This additional margin allows for the 94,000-pound thrust rating.The GE90-94B engine underwent extensive flight testing this summer on GE's 747 flying testbed and on an Air France 777 aircraft. Testing demonstrated the engine's excellent operability, air starting and in-flight performance characteristics.The GE90-94B compressor is also a key technology feature of the GE90-115B engine under development for Boeing's Longer Range 777-200/300 aircraft. The GE90-115B is targeted for certification in 2002, which will result in the GE90 having engines certified in a thrust range from 85,000 pounds to 115,000 pounds of thrust."The investment in the GE90-94B reaffirms our commitment to the GE90 family and to the many customers who placed their confidence in it," said Chaker Chahrour, GE90 project manager.