GE Aerospace has announced that its GEnx commercial aviation engine family has reached a major milestone of two million flight hours with South Asian airlines. The first GEnx engine in the region was delivered in 2012, and today, 90 of these engines power flights for Air India, Vistara, and Biman Bangladesh.
Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Program at GE Aerospace, highlighted the significance of this achievement during a visit to New Delhi, saying, “This milestone is a testament to [the GEnx engine] engineering excellence and technology maturity.” He also emphasized the company’s ongoing support for the region’s aviation growth with advanced technology and services.
Vikram Rai, GE Aerospace’s South Asia CEO, also expressed pride in the company’s relationship with local airlines, specifically mentioning Air India’s recent expansion plans. “We are proud of our long relationships with South Asian airlines, including Air India as it plans to expand its operations with 20 new wide-body aircraft, powered by 40 GEnx engines,” said Rai.
A Technological Edge in Aviation
The GEnx engine, which powers Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and 747-8, is a product of decades of experience and research. Its design makes it 15% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the CF6, while emitting 15% less CO2, aligning with the aviation industry’s sustainability goals. GE has integrated advanced features, such as its Twin-Annular Pre-Swirl (TAPS) combustor, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 60% below current regulatory limits.
In March 2023, the GEnx engines powered the first wide-body aircraft on a long-haul flight to India using a 30% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating GE Aerospace’s commitment to greener aviation solutions.
Sustainability and Service Innovation
GE Aerospace has also introduced the 360 Foam Wash, a revolutionary engine cleaning method that enhances fuel efficiency by removing dirt and debris while reducing maintenance costs. This technology has already been adopted by seven airlines, including Air India and Emirates, and has been conducted thousands of times in the field.
Further improving its service capabilities, GE Aerospace employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor engine conditions and predict maintenance needs. The AI-enabled Blade Inspection Tool (BIT) ensures faster, more accurate engine inspections, contributing to better engine performance and service quality.
With over 1,300 engines in operation in India, GE Aerospace remains a critical partner in the region’s aviation industry. Through its technological innovations, sustainability efforts, and strong relationships with regional airlines, GE Aerospace continues to play a pivotal role in South Asia’s aviation sector.
