EVENDALE, OH--Singapore Airlines (SA) has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 31 GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 

Eighteen of the 31 aircraft are firm orders for delivery between 2006 and 2010. SA has purchased rights for the remaining 13 aircraft. 

The potential value of the GE90 engine order for the 18 firm aircraft is more than $800 million. 

The new GE90-115B model, the world's most powerful engine, powers the 777-300ER. Certified at an unprecedented 115,000 pounds of thrust, the GE90-115B entered service earlier this year. Currently, five GE90-115B-powered 777-300ERs are in airline service. 

Twenty-one airlines and leasing companies operate more than 150 Boeing 777s powered by the GE90 engine family. An additional 100 GE90-powered 777s are on order. The value of the GE90 engines ordered to date exceeds $8.3 billion. 

The first GE90 engine entered airline service powering 777s in 1995. Since then, the engine family has grown to include several higher-thrust derivatives, including the GE90-115B, which set a world's record at 127,900 pounds of thrust during ground testing. 

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

SA will deploy its new 777-300ER aircraft on long- and medium-haul routes. The airline also said it chose the 777-300R for its higher operating efficiency, commonality with its existing 777 fleet, and cabin spaciousness. 

GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft.