LYNN, MASS. – December 16, 2025 – GE Aerospace today announced that its CT7-2E1 engine, which provides reliable power to helicopters used in a variety of roles — from offshore and passenger transport to demanding search-and-rescue and other multi-mission operations — has surpassed 500,000 in-service flight hours. The achievement underscores the engine’s proven reliability and growing global use across Leonardo’s AW149 and AW189 fleets, reflecting expanding CT7-2E1 operations and in-service dependability.
“Crossing half a million flight hours is a testament to the CT7-2E1 engine’s performance, and we’re proud of the close partnerships we’ve built with customers around the globe that rely on this engine to power their helicopters to execute critical missions every day,” said Elissa Lee, executive director for commercial turboshaft engines. “The CT7-2E1 engine continues to deliver the dependability our customers need.”
Designed to meet requirements for long-range, high-speed performance, the CT7-2E1 leverages the proven architecture of the CT7/T700 engine family, now boasting more than 100 million flight hours across all variants, while incorporating:
- A state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
- Advanced materials, particularly within the turbine section
- Lower engine weight and fuel consumption
- Maintenance cost advantages compared to others in its class
The engine has demonstrated exceptional performance in harsh, hot-and-high, and maritime environments, contributing to operators’ mission readiness and lifecycle cost efficiency.
GE Aerospace’s commitment to continuous improvement also enhances the engine’s time-on-wing and fleet availability. As with all GE Aerospace rotorcraft engines, the CT7-2E1 is qualified to operate on approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends. The engine has supported SAF-powered AW149 demonstration flights at global airshows, reflecting GE Aerospace’s industry-leading efforts to support lower-carbon flight.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 49,000 commercial and 29,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow and the future at www.geaerospace.com.