GEAE Undertaking Unprecedented Engine Developments

July 22, 2002

FARNBOROUGH, England - In the face of enormous airline industry challenges, GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) is undertaking more jet engine developments than ever in its history. 



The world's leading jet engine manufacturer, GEAE is investing almost $1 billion annually to create new propulsion systems-from smaller regional jet engines to the world's most powerful jet engine-with technologies to enhance airline profitability and address more-stringent environmental regulatory requirements. 



"We are investing today in the airline industry's future resurgence," said Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer at GEAE. "We know the industry will come back, and GE is in the rare position to be able to invest aggressively in a down market to bring meaningful value to our airline customers." 



GEAE already has the most comprehensive mix of jet engines in commercial aviation. However, over the next three years, the portfolio grows as several new airplanes enter airline service. 



WIDE-BODY AIRCRAFT

  • Boeing 777: For Boeing's longer-range 777s, the GE90-115B will produce the highest thrust in aviation history. The newest member of the successful GE90 engine family, the -115B is now being tested, and is scheduled to enter service in 2004 with industry-leading noise, emissions, and fuel burn characteristics.
  • Airbus A380: Being developed by the GE-P&W Engine Alliance, the GP7200 engine family will bring new levels of economy to the super-jumbo A380 when it enters service in 2006. The engine is being designed to meet the more-stringent noise requirements that will unfold during this century.
  • Boeing 747: A version of GEAE's best-selling CF6-80C2 is scheduled for certification in 2004 to power Boeing's proposed quieter, long-range 747, called the 747-400XQLR.
  • Airbus A340-300 Enhanced: CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (France) and GE, is certifying the CFM56-5C/P derivative engine for Airbus Industrie's A340-300 Enhanced aircraft, which enters service in 2003.

NARROW-BODY & REGIONAL AIRCRAFT

  • Boeing 737-300/400/500: CFM International is set to deliver the first CFM56-3 engine upgrade package to Southwest Airlines for the 737-300/400/500 series, to bring better economy to the world's best-selling aircraft.
  • Airbus A318: CFM International is currently in the process of certifying its CFM56-5B engine, leading to flight test on the aircraft in August. The CFM56-powered Airbus A318 enters service in 2003.
  • Bombardier CRJ900: GE's CF34-8C5 engine, certified earlier this year and now undergoing flight testing, enters service on the CRJ900 in early 2003.
  • EMBRAER 170/175: The CF34-8E, certified earlier this year and currently in flight test on the EMBRAER 170/175 regional jet, enters service on the Embraer 170/175 in 2003.
  • EMBRAER 190/195: The new 90-passenger Embraer jet is scheduled to enter service in 2004 powered by the GE CF34-10E under development. Flight tests begin in 2003, followed by entry into service in 2004.

GEAE and CFM combine for more than 15,000 engines in airline service, the industry's largest and fastest-growing installed base of large commercial jet engines. Based on the order book for the new engines being developed, the GEAE/CFM installed base will exceed 20,000 engines by 2010. 



Calhoun anticipates GEAE/CFM jet engine delivery rates will decline in 2002 and 2003 before recovering in late 2004. "But we believe there is a market potential for 44,000 commercial engines over the next 20 years, and we have positioned ourselves for that," he said. 



GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.