DUBAI AIR SHOW -- Air China has finalized its agreement to purchase 20 GEnx-2B engines to power its five Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft and has also signed a 15-year OnPointSMsolution agreement for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its GEnx-2B engines.
"As the first airline in Mainland China to purchase the GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, Air China will experience improved fuel efficiency, outstanding durability and performance and reduced emissions," said Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of GEnx Program at GE Aviation. "GE Aviation has developed an extensive service and support team that will help OnPoint customers like Air China keep their engines in top operating condition."
About 1,300 GEnx engines are on order for 47 customers around the world, Based on proven GE90 architecture, the GEnx engine will succeed GE's CF6 engine and will offer 15 percent improved fuel efficiency, which translates to 15 percent less CO2. The engine's innovative twin-annular pre-swirl (TAPS) combustor will dramatically reduce NOx gases as much as 60 percent below today's regulatory limits and other regulated gases as much as 90 percent. Based on the ratio of decibels to pounds of thrust, the GEnx will be the quietest engine GE has produced due to the large, more efficient fan blades that operate at slower tip speed, resulting in about 30 percent lower noise levels. The GEnx will be the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of carbon fiber composites.
IHI Corporation of Japan, Avio SpA. of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden, MTU of Germany, TechSpace Aero of Belgium, Snecma (SAFRAN Group) of France and Samsung Techwin of Korea are revenue-sharing participants in the GEnx program. The GEnx engine is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio -- GE's commitment to implementing innovative, cost-effective technologies that enhance the customers' environmental and operating performance. OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet. These agreements are designed to help lower the customers' cost of ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE's global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.
Air China is China's national flag carrier for civil aviation and a member of Star Alliance – the world's largest airline alliance, and the official airline partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The airline has the most market value of worldwide airlines in 2010, ranks first in brand value among domestic airlines and leads the market over its domestic competitors in terms of passenger and freight air transport and related services. Air China owns nearly 400 Boeing and Airbus aircraft with scheduled flights covering 29 countries and regions worldwide.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.