EVENDALE, OHIO - GE Engines Services (GEES) has been awarded a $26 million, 15-year maintenance agreement by Aircalin (Air Caledonie International) to maintain the CF6-80E engines powering its two A330-200 aircraft. 



Under terms of the agreement, GEES will perform engine maintenance under GE's Maintenance Cost Per Hoursm (MCPHsm) program. The program uses GE Engine Services' maintenance network, engineering resources, and program management expertise to maintain an individual customer's fleet based on a flat rate per engine flight hour, enabling the customer to forecast operating costs with greater accuracy. 



"We are extremely excited about servicing Aircalin's CF6 fleet through our MCPH program," said Dan Heintzelman, president and chief executive officer for GE Engine Services. "Since the launch of the MCPH program, more than 40 customers have signed MCPH agreements." 



"Aircalin selected the GE CF6-80E engine for its performance, reliability and cost-efficiency," said Jean-Michel Masson, chief executive officer for Aircalin. "With the MCPH agreement, we can take full advantage of this choice from both an operational and an economic perspective." 



GEES will also provide its state-of-the-art Remote Diagnostics service to continually monitor engine performance. Remote Diagnostics will provide Aircalin with information that will improve aircraft reliability, enhance operations and reduce overall costs. 



Aircalin will receive its first CF6-80E-powered A330 aircraft in December 2002. Aircalin, headquartered in Noumea, New Caledonia, serves more than 10 destinations in the South Pacific. 



GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for military and civil aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and General Electric Company. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial 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 www.geae.com.