February 10, 2003 -- EVENDALE, Ohio - China Southern Airlines has placed a $35 million order for 23 Performance Improvement Program (PIP) upgrade kits for the GE90 engines powering its Boeing 777 fleet.
China Southern, the largest airline operating in The People's Republic of China, is the fifth airline to order the PIP kit. Air France, Lauda, Kuwait Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines have also purchased the kit
"China Southern has long been a valued customer," said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE). Â"And weÂ're excited by the opportunity to work with them on the GE90 upgrade, helping them achieve greater flexibility with their fleet."
Incorporating advanced 3-D aerodynamic components in the high pressure compressor, as well as new sealing, clearance, and turbine technology, the PIP kit provides a 1.6 percent fuel burn improvement and over 20 degrees Celsius additional exhaust gas temperature margin. This increased margin translates to longer time on wing, thus reducing maintenance costs.
"China Southern has done a great job managing its 777 fleet over the past five years," said Chaker Chahrour, general manager of GEAE's GE90 project. "With the addition of the GE90 PIP kit, this airline is going to get even more value from this asset - the lower fuel burn and longer on-wing life will translate to significantly lower overall cost of ownership."
The PIP kits, which are targeted for installation between 2003 and 2005, will also enable China Southern to operate GE90 engines initially certified at 85,000- and 90,000-pounds thrust to achieve 94,000 pounds thrust, a significant advantage for takeoff from hot temperature / high altitude airports.
China Southern was one of the first operators of the GE90-powered 777 and made aviation history in 1997 when it launched the first nonstop transpacific ETOPS (Extended-range, Twin-engine Operations) route between mainland China and the United States (Guangzhou to Los Angeles)
The GE90 PIP upgrade kit was developed concurrently with the GE90-94B engine model that entered service in 2000. This engine's advanced 3-D compressor is a key building block of the GE90-115B for the Boeing 777-300ER and -200LR. The -115B, the worlds most powerful engine, broke its own world record earlier this month when it achieved an unprecedented 127,900 pounds thrust during ground testing. The engine is on schedule to begin flight testing on the 777-300ER later this month, leading to certification and entry into service with Air France in early 2004.
Snecma of France, FiatAvio of Italy, and IHI of Japan are revenue-sharing participants in the GE90 program.
GE Aircraft Engines, 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 produces gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support through GEES for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.
Rick Kennedy
GE Aviation
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