Signal Technician, Author at Engine Alliance

HAMBURG, GERMANY — Today Air France took delivery of its first GP7200-powered Airbus A380. Airbus delivered the first of 12 A380s to Air France at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany.

Air France was the first airline to select GP7200 engines when it announced its order with the Engine Alliance at the Paris Air Show in 2001. It will be the first European airline to operate the A380 when it enters revenue service in November.

“Air France was the first airline to recognize the value of these engines and order them,” Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. “In doing so, they helped provide a foundation for our success. This delivery is an important milestone for us.”

Since entering revenue service in August 2008, the GP7200 has achieved a departure reliability rating of 99.9% and has experienced no in-flight shutdowns with five aircraft in operation.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. In addition to being the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380, the GP7200 engine has emissions that are well below current and anticipated regulations.

The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE manufacturing the compressor, combustor and high pressure turbine in Durham, NC, and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, CT. GP7000 Engine Program participants include SNECMA (France), Techspace Aero (Belgium) and MTU Aero Engines (Germany).

In addition to Air France, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected by Emirates, Etihad, the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC) and Korean Air. Korean Air is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 in December 2010.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

EAST HARTFORD, CT — The Engine Alliance’s GP7200 engine has marked a successful first year in service with Emirates. Since entering service in August 2008, the GP7200-powered Airbus A380 has had no in-flight shutdowns, and the engine has demonstrated a departure reliability rate greater than 99.9%.

“Over the last year, the GP7200 engine has outperformed expectations and is the most fuel efficient engine in commercial service with the lowest noise signature on the A380,” said Engine Alliance Executive Vice President Bill Blair. “The engine’s performance is a testament to the hard work and efforts of employees at both member companies who have developed a strong collaborative relationship focused on delivering and supporting our customers.”

Emirates currently operates five GP7200-powered A380 aircraft and will be the largest operator of GP7200-powered A380 aircraft with a total order for 58 aircraft and more than 250 engines. In the last year, Emirates has logged more than 60,000 flight hours in 1,900 departures and offers one of the longest scheduled flights between Dubai and Sydney, which is about 6,500 nautical miles. Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. In addition to being the quietest, most fuel-efficient engine for the A380, the GP7200 engine has emissions that are well below current and anticipated regulations.

The GP7200 is designed and built by GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE manufacturing the high pressure compressor, combustor and high pressure turbine in Durham, North Carolina, and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, Connecticut. GP7000 Engine Program participants include SNECMA (France), Techspace Aero (Belgium) and MTU Aero Engines (Germany).

In addition to Emirates and Air France, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air Austral, Etihad Airways, International Lease Finance Company (ILFC) and Korean Airlines.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Dubai, UAE — Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Engine Alliance today announced an agreement that will make the Mubadala Development Company affiliate a member of the Engine Alliance maintenance, repair and overhaul network provider for the GP7200 engines.

Having this capability in Abu Dhabi offers a significant benefit to prospective GP7200 operators in the Middle East, who will have convenient access to an Engine Alliance-branded, full-service repair and overhaul shop in the region. The Middle East is already the largest contributor to the GP7200 production backlog.

“As we implement our new growth strategy, we are looking to expand our product portfolio and build it around next-generation products and technologies that reinforce our position as the Middle East’s foremost independent aviation technical services provider,” said John Byers, CEO, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies.

John continued, “Providing GP7200 capability at Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies is perfectly aligned with our strategy. Engine Alliance is a long-term partner with a strong regional customer base and a leading product that is derived from GE’s and Pratt & Whitney’s latest and best propulsion technologies.”

“We are thrilled to have this agreement with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies to cooperate on GP7200 engine MRO activity in this vitally important part of the world,” said Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek.

The two companies expect to finalise the transaction by the third quarter of 2009, and will start to work together immediately thereafter to get the Abu Dhabi facility fully certified and operational by 2012.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. The GP7200 is the quietest, most fuel-efficient engine for the A380, and its emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.

The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core in Durham, NC (North Carolina), and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, CT (Connecticut). GP7000 Engine Program participants include SNECMA (France), Techspace Aero (Belgium) and MTU Aero Engines (Germany).

The GP7200 entered revenue service in August 2008, with the first Emirates A380. Since entering service, the GP7200-powered A380 has not had an in-flight shutdown and has demonstrated a departure reliability rate greater than 99.9%.

In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC), Etihad and Air Austral. Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

LE BOURGET — Air Austral has selected Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its two Airbus A380 aircraft. Air Austral has also selected the Engine Alliance as its service provider to maintain, repair and overhaul the engines with a 10-year Fleet Management Agreement. The total value of the deal is worth $240M (USD) at list prices.

“We have selected the Engine Alliance’s offer and the GP7200 engine because the Engine Alliance’s proposal presents the assurances that suit our requirements for the success of our new economical concept,” Air Austral’s President of the Executive Committee Gérard Etheve said.

Based in Saint Denis, La Reunion, Air Austral has provided service over the Indian Ocean since 1975. The airline flies to nearby Indian Ocean islands as well as locations in France, Australia, South Africa and Thailand. In January, Air Austral announced plans to have its new A380 aircraft operated in a single, economy class configuration on its high-density route from La Reunion to Paris, France, through a subsidiary airline working under a “low-cost” model.

“Air Austral’s use of the A380 in a high density configuration demonstrates the flexibility of the A380,” Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. “We’re delighted they’ve chosen our fuel efficient GP7200 engines to help them increase the value of this remarkable aircraft.”

In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, Etihad Airways and the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC). Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

LE BOURGET–Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has selected Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its 10 new firm Airbus A380 aircraft. The Abu Dhabi-based airline has also signed a multi-year long-term Fleet Management Agreement with the Engine Alliance for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of its firm GP7200 engine fleet. Total value of the deal is more than $1.3 billion (USD).

A380 deliveries to Etihad Airways are scheduled to begin in 2012. The Engine Alliance will manage services for the GP7200 engine and utilize the MRO capabilities of its member companies, GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, as well as other MRO facilities in its support network.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Engine Alliances’ engines offer impressive propulsion technology combined with a great support package. The GP7200-powered A380s will play an integral role in our ambitious expansion plan in the coming years. The deal represents the best overall engines solution, taking into account operational, environmental and financial factors.”

“We are delighted with Etihad Airways’ GP7200 engine selection,” said Jim Moravecek, Engine Alliance President. “Our best-in-class fuel consumption product on the aircraft and our commitment to fulfill Etihad’s service needs will enable them to improve revenue generation activities at the lowest operating costs possible. We look forward to playing a role in Etihad’s growth plans for the region and beyond.”

Etihad Airways has achieved significant growth since it first took to the skies in November 2003 and today maintains its position as the world’s fastest-growing commercial airline. From its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad operates one of youngest and most environmentally efficient fleets in the world, which is set to grow to 52 by the end of 2009. The award-winning airline also aims to increase its passenger numbers this year to seven million, an increase of 15 percent, while also launching into new markets and further developing its global flight network.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. The GP7200 is the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380, and its emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.

In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC). Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

DUBAI — Emirates and the Engine Alliance signed a Fleet Management Agreement for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Emirates GP7200 engines that power its A380 fleet. The Fleet Management Agreement is valued at more than $3 billion (USD) over the life of the contract and formalizes the letter of agreement that was first announced in November 2007 at the Dubai Air Show.

The Engine Alliance will manage aftermarket services for the GP7200 engine and utilize the MRO capabilities of its member companies, GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, as well as other MRO facilities in its support network, including the Emirates’ facilities in Dubai.

“We are delighted to extend our relationship with Engine Alliance through the formalization of the Fleet Management Agreement for our GP7200 engines,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates executive vice president, Engineering and Operations. “We have every confidence in the services provided by Engine Alliance and their member companies, and we look forward to working even more closely with them to support our MRO requirements as more A380s enter the Emirates fleet.”

“Emirates will be the largest operator of our GP7200 engines,” said Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek. “We look forward to expanding our excellent relationship with Emirates into the services arena.”

Emirates entered service with the GP7200-powered A380 in August 2008, and took delivery of its fifth A380 in April. With 58 A380s and more than 250 GP7200 engines on order, Emirates is positioned to operate the largest A380 fleet in the world.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 22 million flight hours of safe operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. The GP7200 is the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380 and its emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.

In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and the International Lease Finance Company. Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

EAST HARTFORD — The Engine Alliance (EA) shipped the first GP7200 propulsor to Emirates on May 21. The delivery marks the first time the Engine Alliance and member company Pratt & Whitney have delivered a propulsor, rather than a full engine, to any airline.

“Shipping a propulsor is an innovative way to supply spare engines,” EA Chief Engineer Paul Smith explained. “The fan module has a very long life, so it can be reused with a new propulsor to provide a full spare engine. It’s a huge cost savings for the customer.”

According to EA Industrial Director Marios Evripidou, delivering spare propulsors in lieu of spare engines also helps minimize an airline’s inventory. “They don’t have to keep as many unused fans in inventory because they can reuse the ones they already have,” he said. Shipping propulsors is easier than shipping a full engine, too, Evripidou said. Because they’re smaller, they can be transported on most wide-body freighter aircraft. “It gives the customer great transportation flexibility,” he said.

The GP7200 entered revenue service in August 2008 with the first Emirates A380. Since entering service, the GP7200-powered A380 has not had an in-flight shutdown and has demonstrated a departure reliability rate greater than 99.9%.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 22 million flight hours of safe operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. The GP7200 is the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380, and its emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.

TOULOUSE, France — The first Air France A380, powered with Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, successfully completed a 4-hour inaugural test route flight from Airbus, Toulouse on Feb. 12, 2009. The aircraft flew to Airbus Hamburg on Feb. 16, where it will be painted in Air France livery, and its interior will be customized for the airline. The A380 is scheduled for delivery to Air France in October.

The aircraft is the first of 12 A380s Air France has on order, and all 12 will be powered with Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. Air France is the second customer for the joint venture company of GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, whose GP7200 engines entered service with Emirates last August.

“This first flight represents another milestone in the GP7200 program,” Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. “We’re ready for our entry into service with Air France this year, and we couldn’t be more excited about working with them.”

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. The A380 meets stringent Stage 4 noise regulations and London’s QC2 departure noise rules. According to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification test data, the GP7200 engine is the quietest engine on this aircraft. The GP7200’s environmental emissions are also well below current and anticipated regulations.

The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core in Durham, NC, and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, Conn.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric Aviation (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

EAST HARTFORD, CT — The entry into service for the Engine Alliance GP7200 on the Airbus A380 has been “flawless,” according to Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek. “Its performance has been predictable and consistent with the extensive development and service readiness endurance testing we’ve been performing all along,” he said, “and we plan to keep on testing the engine even beyond our entry into service with Air France next year.”

“Since entering revenue service on the first Emirates A380 on August 1st, we’ve experienced no engine related issues that could have caused a disruption for Emirates,” Engine Alliance Product Support Director Ed Bendernagel said. “The engines have performed as well, if not better, than we expected,” Bendernagel said. “But the real story is the fuel efficiency.”

The A380 is a fuel efficient aircraft, and the GP7200 engine offers the lowest fuel consumption available on the aircraft. With the rising cost of fuel, it’s an important consideration for airlines. “Our GP7200 engines will save us over 500,000 liters of fuel per aircraft per year,” Emirates CEO HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said at the A380 delivery ceremony in Hamburg.

In addition to low fuel burn, Emirates mechanics were surprised to discover their GP7200-powered A380 burns almost no oil. “They were actually a bit concerned at first,” Bendernagel said, “because this engine just doesn’t burn any oil. It’s really just a result of our robust oil system design.”

The GP7200-powered A380 received type certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2007. In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and the International Lease Finance Company. The Engine Alliance is in active sales campaigns with potential customers around the world.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. The GP7200-powered A380 meets stringent Stage 4 noise regulations and London’s QC2 departure noise rules. EASA certification test data revealed that the GP7200 is, overall, the quietest engine for the A380. The engine’s environmental emissions are also well below current and anticipated regulations.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric Aviation (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

NEW YORK, New York — The first Engine Alliance GP7200 engines have entered service with the first revenue service flight of an Emirates Airline Airbus A380 aircraft. The Emirates flight was the first in-service A380 flight to the United States when it arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport after completing a 14-hour nonstop flight from Dubai.

“This entry into service is a major milestone for Emirates, Airbus and the Engine Alliance and we are delighted that the world’s largest A380 fleet will be powered by the GP7200 engine,” Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. “The GP7200 is the most fuel efficient, quietest engine for the A380. We are excited to deliver this value to our customers beginning with this first GP7200-powered aircraft for Emirates.”

“This milestone is a demonstration of the success of the collaboration between GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney,” Moravecek said. “The entire Engine Alliance team looks forward to continuing to work closely with Emirates to ensure a smooth entry into service.”

The Engine Alliance GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core and Pratt & Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, Conn.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric Aviation NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. NYSE:UTX).