Emirates has signed a $16 billion agreement with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the GE9X engines that will power the airline’s fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft over a period of 12 years.

This is Emirates’ largest single engine MRO contract to date.

At the 2013 Dubai Air Show, Emirates had placed a record $76 billion order for 150 Boeing 777X twin-engine aircraft, powered by GE's new GE9X engine. The single largest order by value in the history of US commercial aviation, it included 300 units of GE9X engines, alone worth $16 billion at list price. It was also GE Aviation’s largest ever commercial jet engine award from an airline.
 
Emirates also signed a 12-year OnPoint solution contract with GE Aviation worth $36 million, covering the maintenance and inventory support for various avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems on all Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft in currently service and the 44 more 777-300ERs on order.

Under this programme, GE will provide the maintenance  and support services for Emirates’ Boeing 777 fleet with a strengthened local program management and stock support in Dubai, supported by GE’s global  repair, overhaul and logistics facilities in the UK, the US, and Asia.
 
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates airline and Group said: “Operating a modern and efficient fleet is at the foundation of Emirates’ success. Aircraft and engine purchases are long-term investments. It is also a commitment that involves many other related services over the life-span of the aircraft, generating and sustaining jobs throughout the aviation supply chain.”
 
“Emirates currently operates GE engines on over 100 Boeing 777 in our fleet. Over the years, we have built a successful relationship with the GE team, and we cooperate in many areas including technology and innovation sharing, and also at our state-of-the-art engine maintenance center in Dubai. We look forward to extending this partnership to our GE9X-powered Boeing 777X fleet,” he added.
 
David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation, said: "The relationship between GE and Emirates remains strong, and the finalization of the GE9X OnPoint agreement further extends our partnership well into the future. The OnPoint solution agreement will allow us to provide comprehensive MRO support along with OEM parts and work scopes to ensure the engines remain in peak operating condition."
 
OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each airline customer. These agreements are designed to help lower the customers' cost of ownership and maximize the use of their assets.

Backed by GE's global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems. - TradeArabia News Service