FARNBOROUGH, England - GE Aircraft Engines continues to make significant investments to improve the performance and cost of operation of both new and installed CF6 engines. 



Building on the engine's history of innovation, the latest CF6 engines are being designed with the most advanced technology available to provide airline customers with significant payload advantage while offering lower maintenance costs. 



"The CF6's success is based on more than 30 years of in-service experience," said Rick Stanley, general manager of GEAE's CF6 Engine Project. "As we continue to introduce new technology into the CF6 family, we enhance its position in the marketplace." 



Most recently, GEAE introduced a new R88DT high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor and cooling system, based on the GE90 engine, that is now standard on new, high-thrust CF6-80C2 and all -80E1 models. GEAE is also testing a new monocrystal alloy into the HPT stage one and stage two nozzles to improve durability and performance. GEAE is also developing a new acoustic treatment for use on the Boeing 747-400XQLR aircraft and is examining an application for older CF6-50 engines. 



In service, GE's CF6-80C2 and CF6-80E1 engines continue to build on an unmatched "stall-free" reputation, providing operators with added confidence and lower operational costs. The CF6-80C2 maintains an industry-leading shop visit rate, including a best-in-class in-flight shutdown rate. The newest member of the CF6 engine family, the CF6-80E1 has doubled its orders share on the A330 since 1999. The CF6-80E1A3, which has the highest thrust rating in its class, is ideally suited to serve extended-range routes for the medium-capacity wide-body market. Certified in December 2001, the -80E1A3 is now in revenue service on Airbus A330-200 aircraft at Air France, Qatar Airways, TAM, and Qantas Airways. 



Currently, there are more than 6,000 CF6 engines flying on more than 3,000 aircraft for 170 customers around the world. CF6 engines have achieved 230 million flight hours and continue to build on that record at a rate of one million flight hours per month. 



GEAE is offering a variety of upgrades for the CF6-6, CF6-50 and CF6-80C2 engines. The CF6-50 hot-section upgrade kit incorporates advanced turbine materials, coatings, and cooling technology from the latest generation of aircraft engine designs. The CF6-80C2 upgrade kit will provide significant improvements to the engine's high-pressure turbine and high-pressure compressor. 



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.