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Boeing selects GEnx engine for proposed 747 Advanced program

April 25, 2005

EVENDALE, Ohio - The Boeing Company has selected General Electric Company's GEnx engine to power the proposed 747 Advanced airplane. 

"We believe GE would provide the best value for the 747 Advanced if we launch the program," said Boeing's Jeff Peace, vice president - program manager, 747/767 Derivatives. "This is primarily because the GEnx offers the best balanced solution optimized for the 747 Advanced requirements. We look forward to working together with GE in successfully launching and delivering a great new airplane." 

The 747 Advanced is a 450-passenger airplane with an 8,000 nautical mile range. It will take advantage of breakthrough 787 technologies, including the GEnx engine, to provide even more payload and range than current 747s. 

Boeing is forecasting a potential market for 250 to 300 airplanes. For the GEnx engine, that represents potential revenues exceeding $10 billion. 

"We are thrilled by Boeing's confidence in the GEnx design," said Thomas Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program at GE Transportation. "Since 2000, GE has been engaged in the most aggressive jet engine development activities in its history. Utilizing our technology base, the GEnx will bring tremendous economic benefits to the 747 Advanced program." 

The GEnx, which is launched on Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, is the next-generation engine to succeed GE's CF6 series, the best-selling engine family for widebody aircraft. The GEnx engine, currently under development, will produce 55,000 to 72,000 pounds of thrust. For the 747 Advanced application, the GEnx will be rated at 63,500 to 66,500 pounds of thrust. 

While the GEnx engine is a new design, it is based extensively on technologies GE has invested in over several years. Based on the architecture of the GE90 engine, the GEnx is the only jet engine being developed with both the front fan case and fan blades made of composite materials to provide greater engine durability and dramatic weight reduction. The engine also features a new-generation combustor for efficient fuel mixing before ignition, which significantly lowers NOx levels. 

The first full GEnx engine will go to test in 2006, with engine certification scheduled for 2007. 

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.