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GE Aviation Joins Integrated Airport Initiative

December 18, 2009

Grand Rapids, MI -- GE Aviation Systems recently joined an industry consortium dedicated to advancing emerging technologies and services in order to bridge today's air transportation system with tomorrow's next generation air travel and commerce needs. 

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding on October 16, GE Aviation became the newest member of the Integrated Airport Initiative. A government-industry partnership, the initiative focuses on operational improvements important to Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) strategies. 

"GE brings key technologies to the team in commercial avionics not provided by any other member," said Chet Fuller, general manager, Commercial Systems for GE Aviation. "GE is focused on helping our customers prepare for the future in an environmentally responsible way. We are pleased to join this partnership to demonstrate the benefits of integrated flight and air traffic operation systems, including greater asset utilization, reduced fuel burn and better use of airport infrastructure." 

Work conducted through the initiative forms a key component of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) NextGen test bed with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida Formed in 2006, Integrated Airport Initiative industry members currently include lead participant Lockheed Martin, plus Barco Inc., Boeing, Computer Sciences Corporation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, ENSCO Inc, Frequentis USA Inc, Harris Corporation, Mosaic ATM Inc., NATS Services Ltd., Sensis Corporation, and the Volpe Center. 

Joint research and demonstrations focusing on near- and mid-term National Airspace System (NAS) solutions are core competencies for the group. Challenges addressed by the initiative include trajectory-based operations, high density airports, reducing the impact of weather on operations, collaborative air traffic management, and integration of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) in civil airspace. The MOU represents the collaboration between member companies, although it is not an obligation for the parties to pursue subsequent procurement opportunities that may be offered by the FAA other than to discuss whether teaming may be appropriate on any program that results from the Integrated Airport Initiative work products. 

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for military and commercial aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.