LE BOURGET - In 1997, GE Aircraft Engines continues to build on its world leadership in the commercial jet engine business through investments which will provide cost-effective global solutions for a changing airline marketplace.
The world's most successful and customer-focused jet engine manufacturer, GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), along with CFM International (the 50/50 joint company of GE and Snecma of France), continues to win the majority of jet engine orders. GEAE and CFMI collectively have won more than 60 percent of the engines ordered during the past five years. This year, the win rate for GEAE and CFMI is even higher. GEAE is leveraging this leadership by investing in engine technology and services that meet customers' most pressing needs: value, lower overall life cycle costs, high reliability, and engine services to reduce airline operating costs and risks.
LEADERSHIP ON NARROW-BODY AIRCRAFT
- Now completing development, the CFM56-7 is the fastest-selling engine in aviation history, with 550 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft on order. The CFM56-5B/P engine, with a new core and the advanced, low-emission, dual-annular combustor, entered service in mid-1996 on the Airbus Industrie A320 family. In addition, CFMI is prepared to offer the CFM56-9 derivative when the 100-passenger aircraft market develops.
- GE's CF34 engine is experiencing dramatic annual growth powering the world's best-selling regional aircraft, the Canadair Regional Jet. Also, GE is developing the CF34-8C for Canadair's newly launched 70-passenger aircraft.
- With the CF34 and the CFM56 families, GEAE is ensuring its leadership in the single-aisle aircraft market well into the 21st century.
WELL POSITIONED ON WIDE-BODY MARKET
GEAE is also maintaining its leadership in the wide-body market:
- Delta Airlines recently selected GE's CF6-80C2, the best-selling engine for wide-body aircraft, to launch Boeing's new 767-400ER. In addition to the major order from Delta, EVA Airways, Atlas Airlines, LanChile, and Air New Zealand each selected the CF6-80C2 in the past seven months after intense campaigns. These wins represent orders for more than 200 engines.
- The CF6-80C2 continues to be the most reliable engine in its thrust class. At the same time, GEAE is investing in new technology to improve further the engine's performance and reliability. GEAE anticipates a market for 2,500+ aircraft in the CF6-80C2 thrust range over the next 20 years.
- While delaying certification of the 102,000-pound thrust version of the GE90 until a suitable market develops, GEAE will continue to validate technology for an engine with more than 100,000 pounds (444 kN) thrust, further refine the engine requirements, and gauge market interest. GEAE will be ready to proceed when an acceptable market emerges for this engine.
GE ENGINE SERVICES
GE Engine Services was the first service provider to recognize that airlines were refocusing efforts on their core business of moving passengers and looking to outside sources for engine maintenance and repair. Today, airlines are striving to reduce overhead costs through fixed maintenance agreements.
GE Engine Services is making substantial investments to provide global solutions to these customers by helping them manage their future costs, increase engine time on wing, lower the overall cost of ownership, and minimize risk. GE Engine Services has developed a comprehensive approach to meeting customer needs by:
- Establishing overhaul and maintenance Centers of Excellence in the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia for worldwide regional capability. GE is achieving this objective through major investments, including joint ventures such as those being finalized with Malaysia Airlines and Philippine Airlines, as well as through acquisitions such as Celma (Latin America's largest engine overhaul facility) and the pending purchase of Greenwich/UNC.
- Developing new component repair technology.
- Offering new products: On-Wing Support services, remote monitoring and diagnostics, and Maintenance Cost Per HourSM programs.
GEAE is leveraging its long history and technology leadership in engine maintenance, overhaul, and repair. This new, comprehensive approach to engine services, coupled with the growing installed engine base, will drive double-digit services growth for several years and provide the lowest-cost solutions to customers.