GKN Aerospace and GE Expand Partnership for Sustainable Technology Advancements in GEnx Engine Program

GKN Aerospace and GE have recently announced a comprehensive agreement to strengthen their longstanding partnership, focusing on various industry-leading engines, including the GEnx program, which happens to be the market’s fastest-selling high-thrust engine. This newly established agreement encompasses three critical areas of collaboration: new technology integration, fan case production and assembly, and the repair of high-volume and intricate engine structures.

Under the new technology insertion programs, the primary emphasis will be on developing and implementing alternative material solutions for the GEnx engines. These innovations are expected to result in a more environmentally sustainable manufacturing footprint and a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Leveraging its component design expertise and cutting-edge technologies, GKN Aerospace aims to assist the GEnx program in achieving its environmental and cost reduction objectives. The enhanced components are slated for development, validation, and integration between 2024 and 2030.

Furthermore, GKN Aerospace will continue to be the supplier of fan cases for the GEnx engines, along with other GE engines such as the CF6, GE90, and GE9X. The fan case plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the engine from external damage while providing support to the fan blades. GKN Aerospace has secured life-of-program contracts for fan case production and assembly, affirming its long-term commitment to GE engine programs.

Additionally, GKN Aerospace will join the GE Aviation repair network, extending its support to the GEnx engines with specialized repair capabilities. This includes the repair of intricate engine structures like fan cases, fan blades, and fan platforms. GKN Aerospace will leverage its extensive global repair network to deliver prompt and efficient service to GEnx customers.

The new agreement is a testament to the enduring and fruitful partnership between GKN Aerospace and GE, spanning over four decades and encompassing numerous engine programs. This collaborative effort will yield benefits for both parties, as well as for customers and the environment, by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions not only for the GEnx engines but also for future endeavors.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, gknaerospace.com, compositesworld.com