April 15, 2003 -- HANOI, Vietnam - Vietnam Airlines has accepted delivery of its first GE90-powered Boeing 777 aircraft.
In February 2002, the airline selected GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) GE90-94B engine to power the two 777-200ERs it is leasing from International Lease Finance (ILFC). The GE90-powered 777 is the first longer-range aircraft to enter service with the airline.
"We are pleased to be a part of the delivery of the first GE90-powered 777 at Vietnam Airlines," said Chaker Chahrour, general manager of the GE90 Project Department at GEAE. "The GE90 engines will provide Vietnam with unmatched flexibility and reliability as it undertakes non-stop extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS)."
The new 777s will have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 656,000 pounds, requiring the 94,000 pound-thrust GE90-94B for non-stop flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Paris, France.
The lower fuel burn and higher revenue generating capability delivered by the GE90-94B powered 777-200ER twin enables the world's airlines to economically open new routes and destinations. In the highly competitive airline industry, lower fuel costs and higher payload revenues drive competitive advantage and profitability for the airlines that operate the GE90 powered 777 aircraft.
In total, 20 customers have ordered 225 firm and 44 option GE90-powered 777 aircraft, with a firm engine value of more than $8 billion.
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 of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, 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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