GE eyes Boeing engine deal

GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company, has offered its GE90 aircraft engines to India.

These engines are specifically designed for the Boeing 777, which is currently under consideration by Air India.

"The GE90 is best positioned to help Air India achieve its goal of sustaining long-term profitability as it continues its rapid growth and modernisation initiatives," David Calhoun, president and CEO, GE Aircraft Engines said.

The GE90 engine, when incorporated, will offer Air India the flexibility to operate from New Delhi and Mumbai to destinations in Europe, Africa and the US.

The engine's low noise levels meet the demands of noise-sensitive airports like Heathrow, London. Features like low fuel burn, higher emission margins are also being highlighted by GE.

GE has invested over $2 billion in the GE90 programme and nearly 21 customers have ordered 225 firm and 44 optional GE90-powered 777 aircraft.

These orders are estimated to cross $7 billion. Currently, GE aircraft engines and CFM International (a 50:50 JV between French-based Snecma Moteurs and GE) power over 61 large jet aircraft in India's civil aviation fleet including two Boeing 747s, six Airbus A300s, thirteen A310s and forty Boeing 737s.