China Airlines selects GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engines for 787 fleet

China Airlines, a prominent Taiwan-based carrier, has chosen GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engines and spare parts to power its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The order, unveiled at the Paris Airshow, includes a comprehensive services agreement.

The GEnx-1B engine is widely regarded as one of the most efficient and eco-friendly engines for the 787 aircraft, offering reduced CO2 emissions, lower noise levels, and decreased maintenance costs. GE Aerospace reports that the engine family has accumulated nearly 50 million flight hours since its introduction in 2011, making it the fastest-selling high-thrust engine in GE’s history. With almost 3,000 engines in service and on backlog, including spare units, its popularity continues to grow.

China Airlines has been a loyal customer of GE Aerospace since 1999 when it initially purchased 13 GE CF6-80C2-powered Boeing 747-400 planes. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 87 aircraft, consisting of 66 passenger jets and 21 freighters.

The acquisition of 17 GEnx-1B engines forms part of China Airlines’ ongoing fleet modernization initiative, designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve the passenger experience. As part of this effort, the airline has also ordered 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including eight 787-10 models, to replace its aging Airbus A330 fleet. The introduction of these new aircraft is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 20% compared to the existing fleet.

“We are extremely pleased that China Airlines has chosen the GEnx-1B engine for their expanding 787 Dreamliner fleet. This agreement is a testament to their confidence in our products and services,” stated Kathy MacKenzie, Vice President of GE Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace.

China Airlines expressed its satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of the GEnx-1B engine in its operations. The airline aims to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability to deliver exceptional service to its customers.

The GEnx-1B engine is part of the broader GEnx engine family, also utilized by the Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Notable features of the engine include a front fan case and fan blades made of lightweight carbon fiber composites, resulting in reduced weight and improved resistance to corrosion. Advanced design processes further optimize the engine’s performance and durability.

The GEnx engine family involves revenue-sharing participants from various countries, including Japan, the UK, Germany, Belgium, France, and Korea.