UAE’s Etihad Airways has signed an agreement with GE Aviation, a leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems, for GE90-115B engines to power its two Boeing 777 Freighters.

Along with the new engines, Etihad has also signed a 12-year OnPointSM solution services agreement for the new GE90 engines. The new engines and OnPoint solution agreements are valued at more than $475 million in list price and over the life of the service agreements.

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said the engine deal demonstrated the airline’s confidence in one of the world’s leading aircraft engine manufacturers.

“In GE Aviation, we see a strategic partner that shares our values in customer commitment, innovation and developing strong relationships to deliver excellence,” he said.

“Etihad Airways is, and will continue to be, a leading global airline flying one of the most technologically advanced and fuel efficient fleets in the commercial aviation industry. The GE engines will meet our ongoing business requirements to operate and maintain efficient equipment in a challenging competitive environment.”

David Joyce, president and chief executive officer for GE Aviation, said: “GE Aviation and Etihad Airways continue to strengthen our relationship, and we are honoured to play a role in Etihad Airways’ growing freighter fleet and network.

“The additional GE90-powered Boeing 777 Freighters have proven themselves in terms of outstanding performance, reliability and payload. The additional Freighter will further expand Etihad Airways’ cargo capabilities.”

The GE90 engine family powers all Boeing 777 models and is the exclusive powerplant on the 777-300ER, -200LR, and Freighter. The family has accumulated more than 50 million flight hours and 8 million cycles since entering service in 1995.

The GE90 engine features several technology firsts, including carbon fibre composite front fan blades, the world’s largest front fan at 128 inches in diameter and the world-record setting thrust of 127,900 pounds during certification testing. The popular GE90-115B engine includes such performance-enhancing features as three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) compressor and wide-chord, swept composite fan blades for greater efficiency. The dual annular combustor emits no more than 40 per cent of the hydrocarbons allowed by today's international standards. In addition, today's GE90-115B engines have been enhanced to reduce fuel burn by 3.6 per cent from the 2000 launch specifications.

OnPoint solutions are customised service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet. 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