By Our Special Correspondent. Dubai. 09 November, 2015. It was laurels on home turf for Emirates airline as it signed a $16 billion service contract with GE’s aviation unit for engines powering the airline’s Boeing’s 777x fleet.
The contract will include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the GE9X engines that will power the airline’s fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft over a period of 12 years, it said in a statement.
Emirates last year placed a record $76 billion order for 150 Boeing 777X twin-engine aircraft, powered by GE’s new GE9X engine – the only engine available for the 777x wide-body aircraft – valued at $16 billion at list price for 300 units.
“Aircraft and engine purchases are long-term investments,” said Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates. “It is also a commitment that involves many other related services over the life-span of the aircraft, generating and sustaining jobs throughout the aviation supply chain.”
Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ERs, with more than 100 aircraft in fleet and over 40 units more pending delivery.It also signed a second services contract with GE Aviation for its existing 777 fleet for further 12 years, valued at $36 million.
David Joyce, President and CEO of GE Aviation said, “The relationship between GE and Emirates remains strong, and the finalization of the GE9X OnPoint agreement further extends our partnership well into the future. The OnPoint solution agreement will allow us to provide comprehensive MRO support along with OEM parts and work scopes to ensure the engines remain in peak operating condition.”
OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each airline customer. These agreements are designed to help lower the customers’ cost of ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE’s global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.
