EVENDALE, Ohio/MELBOURNE, Florida -- General Electric Company and Harris Corporation have formed a new company to provide unique information systems and services that enable airlines to monitor and analyze valuable data easier and faster, helping to improve airline efficiency.

GE Harris Aviation Information Solutions, LLC, located in Melbourne, Florida, will produce and market information network products and decision support services that enable airlines to transmit and receive a wide range of information-including aircraft and engine data, cockpit data, and cabin services-directly to and from aircraft. The new systems and services employ a wireless data link system, first developed by Harris for military aviation applications, that can capture and exchange information with aircraft when they touch down at an airport. The information can then be analyzed to make recommendations for repairs or improvements.

Currently, airlines have to capture and review aircraft information from a variety of systems. The new GE Harris systems and services will enable them to increase the amount of information they receive and will enhance their ability to analyze the various onboard components while the airplane continues in service.

"GE Harris Aviation Information products and services offer tremendous advantages for aviation customers worldwide," said W. James McNerney, president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines. "These robust, state-of-the-art data links and solutions can considerably improve an operator's effectiveness helping an operator use assets more efficiently and preventing unscheduled maintenance. Understanding data and information can significantly improve operating costs and cost management for aviation customers."

"Harris has been providing advanced communications and weather systems for commercial and military aircraft for more than 40 years, " said Phillip W. Farmer, chairman, president and CEO of Harris. "Combining Harris' technology with GE Engine Services' industry leadership in aviation services puts us in a tremendous position to deliver this capability to a broad range of customers throughout the world."

General Electric-through GE Power Systems and GE Transportation-has formed two other companies with Harris during the past five years to combine their technology and marketing strengths in the electric utility and railroad transportation markets.

Harris Corporation, with worldwide sales of more than $3.8 billion, is an international communications and electronics company that provides a wide range of products and services, such as wireless and personal communications, digital television (including HDTV), health care information, multi-media communications, automotive electronics, transportation, business information, defense communications and information, and Lanier office products.

GE Engine Services, the industry leader in total aviation services, reported sales of $3 billion in 1997, representing a $750 million, or 33 percent, increase over 1996. Also in 1997, GE Engine Services won multi-year maintenance and overhaul contracts worth more than $6 billion, representing an increase of more than 45 percent over 1996.

With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A., GE Engine Services provides comprehensive overhaul and repair of aircraft engines, components, and accessories of GE Aircraft Engines, the engines of CFM International, the 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and General Electric Company of the United States, as well as engines produced by other manufacturers.