The Future of Flight: GE Aerospace Makes Waves at Paris Air Show with Major Deals on Engines and Avionics

Last week at the Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget Airport, the GE Aerospace chalet left a lasting impression on visitors, showcasing a dynamic landscape in aerospace technology.

The event underscored three pivotal trends: a burgeoning demand for engines, the efficacy of lean operations, and the ascendancy of cutting-edge technologies.

Larry Culp, GE’s CEO and Aerospace CEO, emphasized the role of lean methodologies in driving operational excellence. He expressed pride in the team’s ability to leverage lean practices to enhance service delivery across the board. Culp also highlighted the strides made in the CFM RISE program, spotlighting innovations like open-fan architecture, hybrid electric systems, compact core design, and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel.

The GE Aerospace team sealed several transformative contracts during the show, marking significant progress across various facets of the aerospace industry. Noteworthy deals encompassed over 100 GEnx-1B engines, 70 CFM LEAP-1A engines, 80 CFM LEAP-1B engines, and 37 CF34-8E engines, in addition to multiple service agreements.

Engine Market Takes Flight

Wide-body planes took center stage, with the Boeing 777X, featuring GE9X engines, making a captivating appearance. The GEnx-1B engine, powering Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and 787 cargo jets, garnered substantial interest. Riyadh Air solidified its commitment with an order for 90 GEnx-1B engines, along with spares and a TrueChoice services contract. China Airlines also joined the ranks, securing 17 GEnx-1B engines and spares.

Diverse Engine Lines Thrive

Other engine lines under GE Aerospace witnessed substantial traction. Jet2 plc, a loyal CFM customer, opted for CFM LEAP-1A engines to propel their new Airbus A320/A321 Neo family aircraft. This deal encompasses up to 71 aircraft, including 35 firm orders, and encompasses spares and a service contract.

Avolon, an esteemed international aircraft-leasing company, placed an order for 80 CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 40 Boeing 737 MAX commercial jets. Having been a CFM customer since 2010, Avolon’s extensive fleet already boasts over 400 CFM-powered aircraft.

Air India reaffirmed its commitment to equip its new fleet of 210 Airbus A320/A321 Neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with CFM LEAP engines. The airline also formalized a multi-year services agreement. Republic Airways bolstered their fleet of Embraer E170/175 regional jets with an order for 37 CF34-8E engines, inclusive of spares and an extension of their TrueChoice services agreement.

Military Endeavors Reach New Heights

GE Aerospace marked a significant milestone by delivering the 1,200th shipset system for Lockheed Martin’s F-35. This achievement underscores GE’s global prowess in avionics and power systems manufacturing and support. Additionally, GE fortified its military engine services by extending an agreement with TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) to provide “depot level maintenance services” for the F110 engine, serving countries operating F-16 and F-15 fighters.

As the 2023 Paris Air Show drew to a close, over 300,000 visitors, including 130,000 trade professionals, bore witness to the remarkable strides made by GE Aerospace and CFM International. The week saw the sealing of crucial deals and the celebration of significant achievements. Garuda Indonesia announced a strategic collaboration with GE Aerospace to revitalize their fleet of CFM56-7B and GE90-115B engines. Furthermore, GE Aerospace unveiled a groundbreaking simulation, leveraging the U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Frontier supercomputer, establishing a pioneering precedent in business applications of this cutting-edge technology.

The Paris Air Show 2023 stands as a testament to the dynamism and innovation driving the aerospace industry, with GE Aerospace and CFM International leading the charge towards the future of flight.

Key Points

•  GE Aerospace made a significant impact at the Paris Air Show, highlighting key trends in the aerospace industry.
• Lean methodologies played a crucial role in driving operational excellence, empowering teams and enhancing service delivery.
• The CFM RISE program showcased groundbreaking technologies, including open-fan architecture, hybrid electric systems, and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel.
• Contracts signed during the show included orders for over 100 GEnx-1B engines, 70 CFM LEAP-1A engines, 80 CFM LEAP-1B engines, and 37 CF34-8E engines, along with multiple service agreements.
• Wide-body planes took center stage, with the Boeing 777X featuring GE9X engines, and the GEnx-1B engine powering Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and 787 cargo jets.
• Riyadh Air placed an order for 90 GEnx-1B engines, with spares and a TrueChoice services contract. China Airlines also secured 17 GEnx-1B engines and spares.
• Jet2 plc, a loyal CFM customer, chose CFM LEAP-1A engines to power up to 71 new Airbus A320/A321 Neo family aircraft, including 35 firm orders.
• Avolon, an international aircraft-leasing company, ordered 80 CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 40 Boeing 737 MAX commercial jets, adding to their extensive CFM-powered fleet.
• Air India reaffirmed its commitment to equip its new fleet of 210 Airbus A320/A321 Neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with CFM LEAP engines, along with a multi-year services agreement.
• Republic Airways ordered 37 CF34-8E engines for its fleet of Embraer E170/175 regional jets, including spares and an extension of their TrueChoice services agreement.
• GE Aerospace delivered the 1,200th shipset system for Lockheed Martin’s F-35, showcasing their global manufacturing and support network capabilities.
• An agreement with TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) was signed to extend TEI’s license for providing “depot level maintenance services” for the F110 engine, benefitting countries operating F-16 and F-15 fighters.
• Over 300,000 visitors, including 130,000 trade professionals, attended the 2023 Paris Air Show, witnessing the remarkable strides made by GE Aerospace and CFM International.
• Garuda Indonesia announced a strategic collaboration with GE Aerospace to revitalize their fleet of CFM56-7B and GE90-115B engines.
• GE Aerospace unveiled a groundbreaking simulation using the U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Frontier supercomputer, setting a pioneering precedent in business applications of this cutting-edge technology.

In summary, GE Aerospace’s presence at the 2023 Paris Air Show was nothing short of extraordinary. Their emphasis on lean methodologies, combined with the groundbreaking technologies showcased through the CFM RISE program, demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation in the aerospace industry. With a multitude of significant contracts and agreements signed, including orders for a wide range of engines and service agreements, GE Aerospace solidified its position as a major player in the global aerospace market. The milestones achieved, from powering iconic aircraft like the Boeing 777X and 787 Dreamliner to providing crucial maintenance services for military aircraft, underscored the breadth and depth of their contributions. This event marked a defining moment for GE Aerospace and CFM International, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and setting new standards for technological advancement.

Source: GE Aerospace