Emirates inks $13bn engine MRO deal with GE

Emirates airline has signed a 12-year deal with GE for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of its new GE9X engines that will power the airline’s 150 Boeing 777X aircraft, which are on order for $56bn.

The OnPoint solution agreement forms part of the settlement of Emirates airline’s record assurance for 150 Boeing 777X twin-engine aircraft, powered by GE’s new GE9X engine.

GE Aviation president and CEO David Joyce said: "The OnPoint solution agreement will allow us to provide comprehensive MRO support, along with OEM parts and workscopes to ensure the engines remain in peak operating condition."

In a bid to meet increasing demand, GE has selected France’s Safran, Japan’s IHI and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines as partners for the development of GE9X engine.

This year, GE plans to invest $300m in the GE9X programme, with major elements of the engine already being tested, including composite fan blades at a Boeing wind tunnel in Seattle.

The company reportedly has orders for more than 600 GE9X engines, a sole engine option on the 777X; Boeing’s latest twin-aisle jetliner is scheduled for commissioning in 2020.

GE Aviation was awarded a $15bn contract for the 300 GE9X engines at last year’s Dubai Air Show, which marks the largest ever commercial jet engine award from an airline.

Building on the best-in-class dispatch reliability from existing 777, the 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X that are claimed to offer 12% improved fuel efficiency compared with any competing aeroplane.

The aircraft’s folding, raked wingtip and optimised span would boost efficiency, significant fuel savings, as well as offering complete airport gate compatibility.

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Image: The Boeing’s 777X family is claimed to deliver 12% more fuel efficiency compared with competing aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.