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GE Aerospace has confirmed that it can handle an increase to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner output, reiterating that the engine manufacturer is with them ‘every step of the way’. GE confirmed that shipments of the 787 had risen sharply, and it hit back at critics who assumed there could be engine delays that would delay the production increase for the popular widebody.
Larry Culp, Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace, noted that demand for the 787 continues to grow and that GE is ready and able to meet that demand for the widebody engines. Already, the number of deliveries year-on-year is up 30% in the second quarter, according to 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 achieving higher production rates. While there have been global supply chain challenges across the industry, GE remains unfazed by any future constraints that could affect engine deliveries. Culp said the engine maker is “highly motivated” in supporting the 787’s output increase.
“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.”
Around 80% Of All 787 Engines Are GE
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 delivery delays have been resolved, the engine maker will continue to work closely with Boeing to understand the forecasts and demand for the 787 engine. It is expected that Boeing’s engine delivery needs 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 than older-generation engines. As a result, this translates into millions of dollars in fuel savings while also reducing airline carbon emissions.
Why Is The GEnx-1B The Best Engine For The Dreamliner?
This engine type has been revolutionary to the Dreamliner’s success, as it was built to handle long-range point-to-point flying. According to GE Aerospace, it can burn up to $300,000 less fuel each year than competing engines, resulting in approximately 2 million pounds less CO2 entering the atmosphere annually.
Due to its lightweight design, featuring carbon fiber composite fan blades, the aircraft can carry more freight while 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.
Fuel Efficiency | Around 15% less fuel burn, high bypass ratio, and twin annular combustors |
|---|---|
Lightweight | Carbon fiber build saves weight, which allows additional cargo or passenger capacity |
Reliability | Around 99.98% dispatch rate, meaning fewer delays, cancellations, or disruptions |
Reduction In Carbon Emissions | Less fuel burn cuts annual CO2 emissions to two million pounds per aircraft annually |
Longer Time On The Wing | 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 its market versatility perfect for long-haul routes. Around the world, four out of every five Dreamliners are powered by the GEnx-1B engine, and the engine maker remains committed to any increase in production for the engine type.
