Air India places $2 Billion Order for GE Engines to Power Boeing Fleet

Air India has ordered GE engines valued at more than $2.2 billion at list prices to power its new Boeing 777 and 787 fleets. 

The airline has ordered eight 777-200LRs and 15 777-300ERs, all powered by the GE90-115B engine. In addition, Air India ordered 27 787-8 aircraft powered by the GEnx engine. The GEnx is the best-selling engine on the 787 aircraft.

Delivery of the 777s is scheduled to begin in 2007, with the 787 deliveries to begin in 2008.

"Air India is one of the region’s leading airlines, and we are thrilled to be part of its major fleet modernisation," said Scott Donnelly, President, GE-Aviation. "Our GE90-115B engines have performed extremely well since entering service last year, and we anticipate the GEnx engine to experience similar results when it enters service."

Mr V. Thulasidas, Chairman and Managing Director of Air India said, "The order of 50 Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft all powered by GE engines marks a major expansion of Air India’s fleet. This along with the Boeing 737-800 aircraft for Air India Express, the budget airline, is the largest order for aircraft so far in India. We are excited at the prospect of the fuel efficiency and performance of the GE engines that Air India hopes to gain from."

The GE90-115B is certified at 115,000 pounds (512 kN) thrust as the powerplant for Boeing’s 777-300ER, 777-200LR and the upcoming 777 freighter. More than 225 GE90 engines were ordered in 2005 – the best sales year ever for the engine.

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