GE Aerospace has confirmed that it can handle an increase to the Boeing 787 output, reiterating that the engine manufacturer is with them ‘every step of the way’. GE confirmed that the number of shipments for the 787 had risen sharply, and GE hit back at critics who assumed that there could be engine delays that hold up the production increase for the popular Dreamliner.
Larry Culp, Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace, noted that the need for the 787 continues to increase and that GE is ready and able to meet the demand for the widebody engines. Already, the number of deliveries year on year is up 30% in the second quarter, according to a report by Reuters.
Supply Of The GEnx Engine Already On Site At Charleston
GE confirmed that there are already ‘months’ of engine supplies on site at Boeing’s Charleston 787 plant, which enable the US plane maker to continue without engine delays. GE has reaffirmed that they are ready to ramp up production as required to continue being an integral part of the 787 aircraft.
Boeing already has a goal of raising its 787 production from around eight per month to 10, and that is supported by the GE engine delivery plan, which GE will support in the increase in higher production rates. While there have been global supply chain challenges across the industry, GE remains unfazed that there could be any future constraints to challenge engine deliveries. Culp explained:
“GE will support and is supporting the 787 ramp. We’re highly motivated. We’re well aligned. There’s no debate there. We will be with them every step of the way.”
With more than 1,100 active 787s, around 80% of the world’s fleet is powered by the GEnx engine. This has cemented GE as a critical part of the program. The engine maker has international demand for its GEnx engines on the widebodies, and as demand for the aircraft type continues to rise, so does the need for engines.
GE has confirmed that while the majority of any delivery delays have been resolved, the engine maker will continue to work closely with Boeing to understand the forecasts and demands for the 787 engine. It is expected that the number of engine deliveries needed by Boeing will increase in the second half of the year.
The GEnx-1B engine is made of advanced composite materials and has around 15% better fuel efficiency compared to older generation engines. As a result, this translates to millions of dollars in savings in fuel consumption, while also lowering airline carbon emissions.
The manufacturer has seen its production numbers increase notably.
Why Is The GEnx-1B The Best Engine For The Dreamliner?
This specific engine type has been revolutionary in the Dreamliner’s success, due to its being specifically built to handle long-range point-to-point flying. According to GE Aerospace, it can burn up to $300,000 less fuel each year when compared to other competing engines, which can result in approximately two million pounds less CO2 entering the atmosphere annually.
Due to its lightweight design, made of carbon fiber composite fan blades, the aircraft can load more freight while still remaining economically fuel-efficient. It has a 99.98% dispatch rate and records more time on the wing than other engines in the market, which translates to less time off aircraft or grounded for maintenance. Further benefits below as per GE:
Around 15% less fuel burn, high bypass ratio, and twin annual combustors
Carbon fiber build saves weight, which allows additional cargo or passenger capacity
Around 99.98% dispatch rate, meaning fewer delays, cancellations, or disruptions
Less fuel burn cuts annual CO2 emissions to two million pounds per aircraft annually
Heat-resistant proprietary coatings, which extend maintenance intervals
It’s without question that the GEnx-1B is an integral part of the 787, and it has supported the aircraft’s leaps and bounds in efficiency and design. Airlines continue to choose this aircraft over its closest competitors, with the market versatility perfect for long-haul routes. Around the world, every four out of five Dreamliners are powered by the GEnx-1B engine, and for the engine maker, they remain committed to any increase in production for the engine type.
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