EVENDALE, Ohio - GE Aircraft Engines and CFM International (CFM), the 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and GE, won 70 percent of the engine orders for large commercial aircraft* in 1997.

GE and CFM received orders in 1997 for 1,600 engines. This compares to an industry-leading 1,298 engines ordered from GE/CFM in 1996, and 706 engines ordered in 1995.

In 1997, CFM56 engines, produced by CFM, led the world engine market with 1,314 engine orders. In 1997, CFM56 engines were selected for 72 percent of the Airbus Industrie A320 family aircraft ordered. CFM56 engines are the sole powerplant for the Boeing 737 family.

In addition, GE obtained firm orders for a total of 286 CF6 and GE90 engines for wide-body aircraft in 1997. The CF6-80C2 engine was selected for 100 percent of the orders for the new Boeing 767-400, which was launched in early 1997.

Throughout the 1990s, GE and CFM have continued to win more than 50 percent of all engine orders for large commercial aircraft.

"The marketplace is validating our focus on providing the best total value to customers," said James McNerney, president of GE Aircraft Engines. "In addition to providing engines with the lowest cost of ownership, our customers have confidence that we have the financial strength to meet our promises over the life of the engines. The dramatic acceleration in the GE and CFM56 installed fleet in airline service will provide significant benefits for the companies well into the 21st century."

* Denotes aircraft capable of seating 100 or more passengers.