Taiwan-based China Airlines will utilize the popular GEnx-1B engine manufactured by GE Aerospace to power its incoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The decision comes after the carrier placed an order for additional 787s at the Paris Airshow last week.
The engines, part of the GEnx engine family, power several Dreamliners worldwide and are known for fuel burn savings and fewer CO2 emissions. GE Aerospace says nearly 3,000 engines are in service and on order.
Important for the operation
According to Asian Aviation, China Airlines ordered 17 GEnx-1B engines and spares as part of its fleet modernization efforts. While the airline does not currently operate the 787, it remains focused on improving its operational efficiency and overall passenger experience. In September, the airline finalized an order with Boeing for 16 787-9 jets.
Last week, eight more were added, with six being converted to the larger 787-10 variant. In total, China Airlines is expecting 24 Dreamliners to be delivered as it plans to phase out its aged Airbus A330 fleet. The airline can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20% with the fuel-efficient aircraft type.
In a statement to Asian Aviation, the airline said the GEnx-1B would allow it to meet its standards.
“The GEnx-1B engine plays an important part in our operations. This agreement for engines and services enables us to ensure we are meeting best performance and reliability standards to serve our customers.”
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An engine that's popular and successful
The widebody jet engine reportedly provides fuel burn savings of 1.4%, equivalent to $300,000 in savings per airline per year. Vice President of GE Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace, Kathy MacKenzie, said the manufacturer is grateful for China Airlines’ order, according to Asian Aviation.
“We are so grateful China Airlines has selected the GEnx-1B engine for its expanding 787 Dreamliner fleet. This agreement fully demonstrates the airline’s trust in our products and services.”
According to GE Aerospace, the GEnx engine family is the fastest-selling widebody jet engine in its history. Over 2,700 are currently in service around the world and on order. In addition to the 787, the engine also powers the 747-8. Since it entered service in 2011, the engine family reportedly has nearly 50 million flight hours.
The engines are also designed to provide airlines with less maintenance and noise.
“As the world’s first commercial engine with both a carbon fiber composite front fan case and fan blades, the GEnx fan module is lighter in weight and corrosion resistant, offering customers less line maintenance and improved reliability with less noise,” the company said.
Continuing the partnership
Building off its successful and well-known GE90 engine, the manufacturer said it took its technology to the next level with the GEnx. In 1995, the company introduced composite fan blades on the GE90 and remodeled them on the GEnx into carbon-fiber fan blades, giving them a more efficient design. To lighten the engine, the blade count on the machine was reduced from 22 to 18. Additionally, the composite fan case allows for more weight to be reduced.
China Airlines' GEx order continues its longtime partnership with GE Aerospace. In 1999, the carrier purchased 13 GE CF6-80C2 engines to power its 747-400 aircraft, according to Asian Aviation. Currently, the airline’s passenger and freighter fleet comprises nearly 90 aircraft.
Source: Asian Aviation, GE Aerospace