Engine Alliance GP7200 Engine Hits 100,000 In-Service Flight Hours

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Engine Alliance GP7200 engine has achieved another milestone, reaching 100,000 revenue flight hours at the end of December. Eight GP7200-powered A380s are in service. Emirates began operating the aircraft August 1, 2008 and received its seventh A380 in late December. Air France entered service with the GP7200-powered A380 on November 20. Other GP7200 customers include Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Air Austral and International lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).
The engines have not experienced a single in-flight shutdown since entering service.
"We're very pleased with the engine's performance and reliability in service," Engine Alliance President Mary Ellen Jones said. "It's the result of continuously testing these engines under extreme conditions to expose potential issues and resolve them before they can become problems. It's also a tremendous tribute to the success of this GE-Pratt & Whitney partnership." "We're delighted to be one of the main GP7200 operators," Emirates Executive Vice President of Engineering & Operations Adel Al Redha said. "The in-service experience of the engine has proven to be meeting the performance and reliability expectations set by the manufacturers."
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 high pressure compressor, combustor and high pressure turbine, 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).
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).

For further information, contact:
Deb Case, deborah.case@ge.com
US: 513.243.0094
Katy Padgett, kathleen.padgett@pw.utc.com
US: 860-565-3433

Advanced LEAP-X1C Engine Chosen as Sole Powerplant To Launch New COMAC C919 Aircraft

BEIJING--December 21, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and CFM International today jointly announced that the advanced new LEAP-X1C engine has been selected as the sole western powerplant to launch the new C919 single-aisle aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service in 2016.
CFM, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company, is the world’s largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer. In 2008, the two companies renewed the partnership to the year 2040.
COMAC has forecasted a global market for more than 2,000 C919 aircraft over the 20 years following entry into service.
COMAC has opted for a complete Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) for the C919. CFM will provide the engine, provisionally called the LEAP-X1C, and, in partnership with Nexcelle, will provide the nacelle and thrust reverser to deliver a complete IPS solution to COMAC. Nexcelle is a 50/50 joint venture between GE’s Middle River Aircraft Systems and SAFRAN Group’s Aircelle the two companies launched in 2008.
“We are very pleased to work with CFM on our new C919,” said Zhang Qingwei, chairman of COMAC. “The leading-edge technology incorporated in the engine, coupled with all of the benefits of a completely integrated propulsion system, will enable us to build a very competitive airplane for the global market.”
“The relationship between CFM and China goes back more than 25 years,” said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. “This agreement is the next logical step in what has been a tremendously successful collaboration between CFM, the Chinese aviation industry, and our Chinese airline customers. Today, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter with COMAC and we are honored to be a part of it. This is truly an historic occasion.”
LEAP-X, which was formally launched in 2008, is a totally new centerline engine and the development program has been progressing steadily since it was launched in mid-2008. The first core in the development program, eCore 1, successfully completed the first phase of testing earlier this year. The second phase of testing will begin in early 2010.
CFM has also been testing the revolutionary 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) composite fan and case. Results to date have been very positive and inline with pre-test expectation and CFM will continue to refine and test various blade designs to identify the optimum. The LEAP-X fan will feature 18 blades, a 50 percent reduction versus the CFM56-5C and 25 percent fewer blades than the CFM56-7B.
About COMAC
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is the Chinese commercial aircraft manufacturer established in May 2008 for more information on COMAC, please visit www.comac.cc.
About CFM
Since the company was established in 1974, CFM has delivered more than 20,000 engines to date to more than 500 operators around the globe. There are more than 2,300 CFM56 engines in service or on order with Chinese airlines, representing more than 10% of the CFM56 engines in commercial service worldwide. In the last decade, CFM has received firm orders for more than 12,200 CFM56 engines. For more information on CFM International, visit us at www.cfm56.com.
Contact:
For CFM
Jamie Jewell,
513-552-2790
Mobile: 513-885-2282
jamie.jewell@ge.com
or
Rick Kennedy,
513-243-3372
Mobile: 513-607-0609
rick.l.kennedy@ge.com
or
Antoinette Menard,
33.1.69.87.09.28
Mobile: 33.6.74.78.10.65
antoinette.menard@snecma.fr
or
www.cfm56.com

US Senate panel leaves F-35 2nd engine unfunded

* Subcommittee recommends no funds for F-35 2nd engine
* Omission of funding is boost to United Technologies Corp
* GE-Rolls Royce confident their engine will survive (Adds quotes from companies, analysis, background)
By Jim Wolf
WASHINGTON, Sept 10, 2009 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate subcommittee recommended no funding on Wednesday for an alternate F-35 fighter jet engine in a boost for United Technologies Corp (UTX.N), maker of an engine inching closer to a potential $100 billion monopoly. But General Electric Co (GE.N) and Rolls-Royce Group PLC (RR.L), partners in developing the second engine, voiced confidence that a House of Representatives-Senate conference committee would preserve competition.
"What happened today is not a surprise," said Rick Kennedy, a GE spokesman. The Senate action followed a threat that President Barack Obama would veto a bill funding an alternate engine on the grounds it was wasteful.
A joint GE-Rolls Royce statement cast Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittee, and Thad Cochran, the panel's top Republican, as longtime supporters of the second engine. The statement suggested they were maneuvering to rescue it at the 11th hour, in a budget conference with the House.
Inouye, a Democrat from Hawaii, "is going to act in a way that he feels is best to save the engine," Kennedy said. Inouye made no mention of the project in presenting his panel's 2010 spending plan.
GE and Rolls Royce said they were "confident of a successful outcome because competition and cost discipline in major defense procurement programs have proven to be in the best interest of taxpayers and our armed services."
Rob Blumenthal, a spokesman for Inouye of Hawaii, declined to comment. A spokesman for Cochran of Mississippi did not return a phone call.
At issue is a projected $100 billion market to power three variants of the single-engine F-35, a Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) fighter in early stages of production. It would replace at least 13 types of warplanes, initially for 11 nations.
The alternate engine has become the latest bone of contention in a year in which the administration plans to end several big-ticket arms programs, including Lockheed's F-22 fighter jet, a presidential helicopter, combat rescue helicopters and an antimissile program known as the Kinetic Energy Interceptor.
The Pentagon says the F135 engine being built by Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies unit, for the F-35 is doing well.
Pratt & Whitney expressed satisfaction with the omission of funding for its competitor.
"The F135 is performing exceptionally well in flight test, has retired 90-plus percent of program risk and is in production," said Erin Dick, a company spokeswoman.

By contrast, GE and Rolls-Royce cited a House Armed Services Committee finding that Pratt & Whitney's development program was $1.9 billion over budget.
Under the Senate subcommittee's version of the $636.3 billion defense appropriations bill for fiscal 2010, which begins October 1, funding would be omitted for alternate engine development, a summary of the panel's recommendations said. It did not say why.
The full Senate Appropriations Committee, also headed by Inouye, is to consider the bill on Thursday.
In July, the House voted 400 to 30 to approve a 2010 defense appropriations bill that included hundreds of millions of dollars for the second engine development.
Differences between the House and Senate bill must be resolved in a conference before final passage of a bill that can be signed into law.
The Senate subcommittee also recommended adding $2.5 billion to sustain Boeing's C-17 cargo plane line by buying 10 more in 2010. The administration wants to end the C-17 program without further purchases.
The House approved $674 million in its defense appropriations bill to buy three more C-17s.
Inouye said his panel was not in complete agreement with administration officials on ending arms programs but was concurring in general.
"I would like to remind my colleagues that the Defense Department has been wrong on several occasions in recommending program terminations," he added, without citing the engine. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon, Toni Reinhold)

GE Capital Aviation Services Signs Aircraft Financing Deal With flydubai

On Thursday July 2, 2009, 7:36 am EDT
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, has signed a deal to finance four Boeing B737-800 aircraft with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The sale and leaseback agreement covers the aircraft due to be delivered to flydubai from Boeing in 2009, with two expected in July, one in October and one in December.
flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “This is a significant deal for flydubai as it is the first financing that we have secured from outside the UAE. This deal ensures our financing needs for the rest of 2009 when we will receive a further four aircraft from Boeing. This will bring our fleet to a total of six aircraft by the end of the year and allow flydubai to operate to around 14 destinations, subject to achieving the necessary government approvals.”
Norman C. T. Liu, GECAS’ newly named President & CEO, said: “This is a major achievement, the product of excellent work between our two teams - we wish flydubai every success in this new venture."
flydubai was announced by the Government of Dubai in March 2008 with a start-up capital of AED250m. An historic order at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, saw flydubai become the biggest customer in the Middle East of the 737-800, with an order book of 50 at a list price of approximately US$4bn. The first two of these aircraft arrived in May and went into service at the beginning of June. This financing deal covers the next four aircraft that flydubai will receive.
flydubai has announced flights to eight destinations across the Middle East, North Africa and India, and currently operates to four – Beirut (Lebanon), Amman (Jordan), Damascus (Syria) and Alexandria (Egypt).
The first two aircraft covered by this deal will arrive in July and will service flydubai’s recently announced Indian routes of Lucknow, Coimbatore and Chandigarh.
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS):
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of 1,500+ owned aircraft with approximately 250 airlines in over 70 countries, and it manages over 325 aircraft for others. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work .
About flydubai:
Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai’s first low cost airline. Owned by the government of Dubai, the airline will support the city’s commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers, providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations.
With flydubai, travellers can take 1 piece of hand baggage (weighing up to 10 kg) no larger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on board without charge. If the bag does not meet the cabin requirements, it will be checked into the aircraft hold at a cost of AED 150. For a little extra, passengers can check a bag. Each bag purchased can hold up to 32 kg and not larger than 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm. If customers want to take more, an additional bag can be purchased, subject to availability.
Based on a low cost business model, flydubai offers a value-for-money product at an extremely competitive price. Its website (www.flydubai.com) will be an important interface for customers, together with a call centre (+971 4 301 0800) and travel partners.
Contact:
GE Capital Aviation Services
Dan Whitney,
203-961-2466
dan.whitney@ge.com
or
flydubai
Polaris PR
Zahabia Motiwala,
(+9714) 341 5555
mobile: (+971) 50 768 944
0z.motiwala@polaris-me.com
or
Rima Salman,
(+9714) 341 5555
mobile: (+971) 50 273 4869
r.salman@polaris-me.com
or
Heather Redpath
PR Manager
Mobile: (+971) 50 9508420
heather.redpath@flydubai.com

REFILE-AIRSHOW-UPDATE 1-Mubadala in GE deal, seeks partnerships

(Corrects reference to Abu Dhabi oil output and exports in paragraph seven by saying that the UAE, which includes Abu Dhabi, is the world's third-largest oil exporter.
The original story said incorrectly Abu Dhabi was the world's fifth-largest oil producer. In terms of output, UAE ranks as world number eight. All figures based on U.S. Energy Information Agency data)
* Mubadala not interested in buying stakes in partners
* Signs maintenance partnership deal with GE Aviation
By Helen Massy-Beresford and John Bowker
PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi state investment agency Mubadala Development said on Wednesday it was interested in partnerships with leading aerospace groups but denied a report it planned to take stakes in major European aerospace companies.
"Partnering with the world's leading aerospace organisations forms an integral part of the long-term strategy we are taking," Aerospace Associate Director Homaid Al Shemmari said at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday.
"Building a global aerospace industry for Abu Dhabi is a key part of the emirate's diversification," he added.
But he denied a news wire report quoting him as saying that Mubadala may consider buying stakes in partners such as EADS (EAD.PA), Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L).
"We are not interested in taking equity stakes in any of our current partners. Our current model is for partnerships and joint ventures with a focus on Abu Dhabi," Al Shemmari told Reuters.
He was speaking after signing a maintenance partnership deal with General Electric (GE.N) unit GE Aviation, the world's largest maker of jet engines, that will see GE supply support and services while Mubadala builds a maintenance network for GEnx engines.
This is the latest in a series of aerospace deals by the Abu Dhabi investment fund as the emirate seeks to boost its economy. Abu Dhabi is part of the United Arab Emirates, the world's third largest oil exporter.
GE and Mubadala did not give any financial details of the deal, which forms part of a broader partnership the two groups agreed last year.
GE Vice Chairman John Rice said the group would not limit the areas where the company would consider future collaboration with Mubadala.
The groups are analysing the market and looking at how revenue will be split between them in the next few months, Mubadala's Al Shemmari said.
Last July, Mubadala forged a deal with Airbus parent EADS to provide parts for wide-body aircraft from a composites plant that Mubadala plans to open from next year.
Ultimately, large aircraft structures will be designed, developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala said on Sunday it would start the first phase of the plant later this month and that it would be operational in 2010. Partnerships had been formed with EADS, Airbus, FACC and Alenia Aeronautica, part of Finmeccanica.
At the Farnborough Air Show a year ago, Abu Dhabi national airline Etihad place a $10 billion order for Airbus planes.
Although the industrial deals are not officially linked, the plane purchase was finalised in December in what experts described as a landmark agreement that could see EADS producing part of its next generation of jets in Abu Dhabi.

UPDATE 1-US eases process for GE India to import technology

* US eases licensing process for GE India
* Aims to smooth trade in technology
* US seeks more protection of intellectual property rights
(Adds details from Commerce Secretary speech, GE release)
WASHINGTON, June 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department will this month give General Electric's (GE.N) India division a standing license to import controlled technology, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Wednesday.
"That means the company will be allowed to enter a pre-approved, export express lane as a trusted end user. No more need for a license," Locke said in a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council.
GE will use its new status, known as "validated end user authorization," to exchange technology with its security, aviation and energy infrastructure businesses in India, the company said in a statement.
"It will not only permit technology exchange on energy and aviation between GE and our research facilities in India, but will also permit the sale of advanced security systems to the Indian Ministry of Defense, Indian police and other Indian security organizations," said Tejpreet Chopra, Chief Executive of GE India.
The deal will help trade in technology move more efficiently between the two countries, Locke said.
Last year, U.S. companies exported $18 billion worth of goods to India, and India shipped the United States $25 billion worth of goods, Locke said.
The United States wants India to loosen foreign direct investment restrictions in the financial services, retail and cable and satellite television sectors, Locke said.
India also needs to boost its protection of intellectual property rights, he said.
"Piracy and counterfeiting is still a serious problem and India's criminal enforcement regime remains weak." Locke said.
"U.S. businesses also need more clarity on guidelines and procedures for doing business in India, which can be every bit as difficult a barrier to entry as onerous tariffs," he said. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton)

AIRSHOW-Aerospace execs see easier financing in 2010

PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Global aerospace companies are seeing early signs that financing conditions could improve next year, but executives cautioned at the Paris Air Show that the economic situation remained tense.
General Electric (GE.N) Vice Chairman John Rice said on Wednesday he expected credit conditions to improve by 2010, though he added that it could be too early to say the economy had reached a trough.
"The environment continues to be difficult. People talk about green shoots and stabilisation -- I don't know that we've seen enough yet to say that we've bottomed out, although certainly we expect that to happen," he said. [ID:nWEA7106]
GE's Aviation unit makes large jet plane engines, each one of which costs millions of dollars. Companies around the world have been squeezed by tight credit markets in the global economic crisis, and airlines have found it difficult to finance expensive aircraft purchases.
An improvement in the availability of funds would be seen as a sign that the downturn could be nearing its end.
Customers of planemaker Bombardier (BBDb.TO), whose corporate jet business has been hurt by a drop in spending by companies, still face difficult financing conditions.
"It's very challenging right now," Bombardier Aerospace President and Chief Operating Officer Guy Hachey told Reuters Television in an interview at the air show. [ID:nWEA6952]
But the rate at which customers are cancelling orders has peaked, and the company now has fewer so-called "white tails," he said. White tails are planes that have been built but not yet sold and so are not painted in any airline's livery.
The sales chief of EADS unit (EAD.PA) European planemaker Airbus said at the air show that financing had been secured for remaining deliveries this year but that the jury was still out on 2010.
POSITIVE MESSAGES
"Essentially, (2009 deliveries) are now financed. The question is whether they will stay financed," John Leahy said, adding that well over half of anticipated 2010 deliveries had been financed. [ID:nWEA6821]
European credit agencies have been asked to raise the amount of finance offered to support aircraft deliveries to 50 percent of the total from 20 percent last year. Airlines are currently getting about 40 percent of their finance from such agencies, Leahy said, adding "we will put some money in ourselves".
German engine maker MTU Aero Engines (MTXGn.DE) sees a light at the end of the tunnel next year as early signs of an improvement on credit markets emerge.
"Compared with a few weeks and months ago, when we had a lot of bad news on financing, we have been getting a lot more positive messages," MTU Chief Executive Egon Behle said.
MTU, which builds military and civil aircraft engines and offers maintenance services to airlines, has had to offer support to some suppliers who are exposed to the weak automotive industry to help them weather the downturn, Behle said.
In another segment of the aerospace market, EADS (EAD.PA) unit Astrium Satellites said commercial satellites were also feeling the squeeze of tight credit markets.
"Because of the financial crisis the commercial market is very volatile," division Chief Executive Evert Dudock said, adding that he was urging governments to help stabilise the market by providing loan guarantees.
"For 2009, the market is still looking stable, but from what I am seeing at the moment, it will be more critical next year," he said.

Air Austral Selects Engine Alliance GP7200 Engines and Associated Fleet Management Agreement

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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 Gerard 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."
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 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, 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 - News) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News).
For further information, contact:
Deb Case, U.S.: 513.243.0094, email: deborah.case@ge.com
Katy Padgett, US: 860-565-3433, email: kathleen.padgett@pw.utc.com

WestJet Signs $850 Million Engine MRO Agreement

Airline's engine maintenance, repair and overhaul work to be done in Winnipeg
CALGARY, Alberta, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- WestJet today announced it has signed an exclusive 12-year OnPoint* solution agreement valued at more than $850 million (USD) over the life of the contract with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its fleet of CFM56-7(+) engines that power 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
As part of the agreement, maintenance, repair and overhaul of WestJet's engines will be performed at the StandardAero plant in Winnipeg, which has just undergone a major expansion, resulting in additional employment for Manitobans.
GE Aviation and StandardAero have completed a material and licensing agreement in connection with the WestJet contract. As part of the agreement, GE Aviation will provide material and high-technology component repairs to StandardAero. The material is produced at various GE facilities, including Bromont, Canada, Hooksett, New Hampshire, and Madisonville, Kentucky. StandardAero will become a GE Designated FulFillment Center* for CFM56-7B engines.
"We are excited about working with two global leaders in the field of jet engine systems," said Sean Durfy, President and CEO of WestJet. "Safety is our number one priority, and while we have one of the most modern fleets of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft of any airline in North America, the maintenance, repair and overhaul of our aircraft engines is an integral part of our ongoing safety program."
"GE Aviation is looking forward to working with WestJet and StandardAero on this CFM56-7 OnPoint solution agreement," said Tom Gentile, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation. "The agreement is a perfect example of the flexibility of GE's service offerings and enables WestJet to benefit from GE's OEM material while getting overhaul services from StandardAero, a world class engine overhaul facility that is part of the GE global MRO network."
"Entry into the large-engine MRO market has long been a goal for StandardAero," said Rob Mionis, President and CEO of StandardAero. "WestJet and GE Aviation are great partners and we look forward to continuing to provide them with the superb service and support we are known to deliver."
GE and StandardAero have developed a strong relationship over the years. StandardAero was the first independent repair and overhaul company to become an Authorized CF34* Service Provider and provide MRO service for GE's CF34-1, -3 and -8 engines. StandardAero also provides service support for GE's LM1600 marine gas turbine engines.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements regarding the expected value of maintenance, repair and overhaul services and the anticipated location and provider of such work. However, these forward-looking statements are subject to, and may be affected by, numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. WestJet's results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include but are not limited to: availability of skilled labour, availability of parts and materials, contractor capacity, general economic conditions, the competitive environment and other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings. Forward-looking statements are subject to change, and WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
About StandardAero
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - News), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
* OnPoint is a registered service mark, Designated Fulfillment Center is a trademark and CF34 is a registered trademark of General Electric Company.
(+) CFM56-7 engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

AIRSHOW-UPDATE 1-Mubadala in GE deal, seeks partnerships

* Mubadala not interested in buying stakes in partners
* Signs maintenance partnership deal with GE Aviation
By Helen Massy-Beresford and John Bowker
PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi state investment agency Mubadala Development said on Wednesday it was interested in partnerships with leading aerospace groups but denied a report it planned to take stakes in major European aerospace companies.
"Partnering with the world's leading aerospace organisations forms an integral part of the long-term strategy we are taking," Aerospace Associate Director Homaid Al Shemmari said at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday.
"Building a global aerospace industry for Abu Dhabi is a key part of the emirate's diversification," he added.
But he denied a news wire report quoting him as saying that Mubadala may consider buying stakes in partners such as EADS (EAD.PA), Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L).
"We are not interested in taking equity stakes in any of our current partners. Our current model is for partnerships and joint ventures with a focus on Abu Dhabi," Al Shemmari told Reuters.
He was speaking after signing a maintenance partnership deal with General Electric (GE.N) unit GE Aviation, the world's largest maker of jet engines, that will see GE supply support and services while Mubadala builds a maintenance network for GEnx engines.
This is the latest in a series of aerospace deals by the Abu Dhabi investment fund as the world's fifth-largest oil producer seeks to diversify its economy.
GE and Mubadala did not give any financial details of the deal, which forms part of a broader partnership the two groups agreed last year.
GE Vice Chairman John Rice said the group would not limit the areas where the company would consider future collaboration with Mubadala.
The groups are analysing the market and looking at how revenue will be split between them in the next few months, Mubadala's Al Shemmari said.
Last July, Mubadala forged a deal with Airbus parent EADS to provide parts for wide-body aircraft from a composites plant that Mubadala plans to open from next year.
Ultimately, large aircraft structures will be designed, developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala said on Sunday it would start the first phase of the plant later this month and that it would be operational in 2010. Partnerships had been formed with EADS, Airbus, FACC and Alenia Aeronautica, part of Finmeccanica.
At the Farnborough Air Show a year ago, Abu Dhabi national airline Etihad place a $10 billion order for Airbus planes.
Although the industrial deals are not officially linked, the plane purchase was finalised in December in what experts described as a landmark agreement that could see EADS producing part of its next generation of jets in Abu Dhabi.

GE's Dowty Business Delivers 600th Dash 8 Q400 Propeller System

On Tuesday June 16, 2009, 8:19 am EDT
LE BOURGET, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Aviation’s Dowty business recently delivered the 600th propeller system for the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. The advanced six-bladed propeller system for the Dash 8 has single removable all-composite blades.
“Dowty has 19,000 all-composite blades in service, accumulating more than 270 million blade flying hours,” said Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems. “The new Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the next step in the continuing evolution of the Q400 aircraft. We will continue to invest and develop propeller systems technologies resulting in environmental and operational cost benefits for our customers.”
The Q400 six-bladed all composite propellers deliver more thrust and less noise than smaller propellers turning at a higher speed. Made from a new generation of lighter and stronger materials, these slow rotating propellers are mounted further out on the wing to help reduce noise levels.
Operating costs of the Q400 NextGen airliner, already among the lowest of any regional aircraft, will be made even lower by increasing the scheduled maintenance intervals and further optimizing maintenance tasks to reduce downtime during the aircrafts life cycle.
The Q400 aircraft is already the most technologically advanced turboprop airliner and the NextGen features will make it even more so. The Q400 NextGen aircraft is the turboprop airliner for the twenty-first century.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - News), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company.
For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

Contact:
GE Aviation
Jennifer Villarreal
+ 1 616 617 7755
jennifer.villarreal3@ge.com

GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team's Second Engine Heads to Test

On Tuesday June 16, 2009, 3:00 am EDT
LE BOURGET, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team’s successful testing plan continues with the second F136 development engine soon to begin testing on schedule.
F136 test engine 005 is in final assembly, heading for installation in a test cell at GE in Evendale, Ohio, US, within a few days to start testing for the first time. Following tests in Evendale, Engine 005 will undergo altitude testing at the US Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center later in the year.
Engine 005 follows the completion of Engine 004’s first round of testing, which began in January 2009 – a month ahead of schedule.
The Fighter Engine Team also recently launched its flight clearance certification review, a process that will prepare the F136 engine for flight testing. Following flight certification, the first F136-powered F-35 Lightning II will take to the air in early 2011, in alignment with Lockheed Martin’s ongoing flight test schedule for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
The forward momentum of the testing process continues the Fighter Engine Team’s record of meeting every milestone on time, remaining on schedule, and staying within budget – demonstrating an unmatched record of success for a Joint Strike Fighter propulsion team.
The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team is currently in the fourth year of its System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract with the US Government Joint Program Office. In addition to Engines 004 and 005, a third powerplant, 006, is in assembly and will be testing within a few months. The Fighter Engine Team has already totaled more than 800 hours of testing on pre-SDD and SDD engines.
The Fighter Engine Team has received 70 percent of the total funding from its SDD contract, and overall the US Government has spent $2.5 Billion developing the F136 engine thus far. The remaining efforts in SDD will lead to the successful completion of the F136 development program and production engine deliveries in 2012.
“The Fighter Engine Team continues to press ahead in development. We have engines in test, are on a path toward first flight, and are nearing completion of our developmental funding. We remain on schedule and within budget, with continued high marks for program execution from our customer. With this kind of track record, we are excited about the future of the F136 engine in the Joint Strike Fighter program,” said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, President of the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team.
“The F136 engine offers several advantages for the military customer. The engine will have added temperature margin and built-in, affordable growth for the future. We have watched the evolution of the F-35 aircraft and designed our engine to meet the future needs of the Joint Strike Fighter. All of these advantages will be ready for customers beginning in 2012,” said Mark Rhodes, Senior Vice President for the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team.
Editor’s notes
The F136 engine is a product of the best technology from GE and Rolls-Royce, two world-leading propulsion companies. The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team has designed the only engine specifically developed for the F-35 aircraft, offering extra temperature margin and affordable growth. The F136 engine will be available to customers in 2012.
GE - Aviation, with responsibility for 60 percent of the F136 program, is developing the core compressor and coupled high-pressure/low-pressure turbine system components, controls and accessories, and the augmentor. Rolls-Royce, with 40 percent of the F136 program, is responsible for the front fan, combustor, stages 2 and 3 of the low-pressure turbine, and gearboxes. International participant countries are also contributing to the F136 through involvement in engine development and component manufacturing.
The F136 engine is the most advanced fighter aircraft engine ever developed and will be available to power all variants of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the US military and eight partner nations. The F136 program has already totaled more than 800 hours of testing in SDD and pre-SDD testing.
The first test runs for the new F136 engine in early 2009 topped a year of significant achievements for the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team. The program successfully completed Critical Design Review in 2008, as well as completing the first testing at the unique, new Peebles, Ohio, test site, and full afterburner test runs at the US Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) test facility in Tennessee.
The F136 engine program has a solid history of executing its contract on schedule and within budget. As a result, the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team consistently receives top reviews from the JPO for program execution.
About 900 engineers and technicians are engaged in the F136 program at GE Aviation’s Cincinnati, Ohio, headquarters, and at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Bristol, England.
The SDD phase is scheduled to run through 2013; the first production F136 engines are scheduled to be delivered in 2012 for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. This occurs during the fourth lot of F-35 aircraft production, which is very early in the overall aircraft production program.
The F-35 is a next-generation, multi-role stealth aircraft designed to replace the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 Hornet and the United Kingdom’s Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier, all of which are currently powered by GE or Rolls-Royce making them the engine powers of choice for the U.S. and U.K. militaries. Potential F-35 production for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines and international customers, including the UK Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, may reach as many as 5000 to 6000 aircraft over the next 30 years.
http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AmtLsbbkEaqNspPZlyCWhsWvMncA/SIG=15ig3hl2v/**http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.FighterEngineTeam.com&esheet=5985207&lan=en_US&anchor=www.FighterEngineTeam.com&index=1
Contact:
GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team
George McLaren
U.S.: 317.230.8260
mailto:george.h.mclaren@rolls-royce.com;_ylt=AsOAEP_FgIBrYgFuIWvab1.vMncA
or
Rick Kennedy
U.S.: 513.243.3372
mailto:rick.l.kennedy@ae.ge.com;_ylt=Ak1FRnA5a5et8muvfa.mmaevMncA
or
Nick Britton
U.K.: 44.117.979.5943
mailto:nick.britton@rolls-royce.com;_ylt=ApsRqIERp5NLMuK8WS.NQ2CvMncA

GE Qualifies and Delivers Boeing P-8A Poseidon Systems

LE BOURGET, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Aviation recently achieved two significant P-8A milestones including flight management system hardware qualification and deliveries of stores management system hardware. The flight management system qualification is the final milestone prior to formal flight testing of the P-8A, due to take place later this year. The stores management system hardware deliveries follow delivery last month of key software for integration lab activity.
Business Wire - GE Aviation recently achieved two significant P-8A milestones including flight management system hardware qualification and deliveries of stores ...
“GE’s integrated flight management and stores management systems are designed for growth and allow rapid and affordable future technology integration to meet evolving threats and diverse mission requirements,” commented Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems. “We are pleased to play a key role in advancing the mission of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A.”
GE’s flight management system provides an integrated open architecture that is compliant with the military and commercial framework along with an inherent growth path for upgrades. The stores management system provides a comprehensive system for the electronic control of integrated weapons management and is designed for future growth.
The integrated Navy/Boeing team will begin formal flight testing of the P-8A later this year. The P-8A first flight successfully took place on April 25 and Boeing unveiled the U.S. Navy paint scheme on May 5, displaying its new U.S. Navy livery.
The P-8A, a derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation. The team currently is assembling and testing the first five P-8As.
The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - News), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.