Powering the airline industry in the Middle East
40+ years
With more than 1,400 commercial engines in service, the Middle East is home to GE Aerospace’s largest fleet of widebody engines in operation and on order.
We also have a strong presence in the narrowbody segment, where our engines power flights across the region. From the CFM LEAP and CFM56 engines, to the GE90, GEnx, GP7200, and GE9X, our advanced technologies drive the success of the Middle East’s critically important aviation sector.
In addition, since 2015, the Middle East Technology Center has played a crucial role in enhancing engine durability, particularly in the challenging hot and harsh environment of the Middle East.
By leveraging cutting-edge data analytics, software development, and industry knowledge, we work with our airline partners to further their goals of staying at the forefront of efficient, reliable flight.
Driving innovation, elevating performance
The extreme heat, humidity, dust, and sand that are characteristic of the Middle East’s arid climate pose unique challenges to aircraft engine performance. At GE Aerospace, innovation is at the heart of overcoming these hurdles. GE Aerospace Research engineers are able to simulate the region’s harsh environment in testing, thereby playing a vital role in supporting Middle East Technology Center colleagues in developing solutions that boost engine performance and durability.
The Middle East Technology Center, alongside global colleagues, has developed an analytics-based maintenance solution, initially launched with Emirates and now adopted in regions around the globe such as India, Korea, and China.
Looking to continually serve customers with faster turnaround times, we deploy our proprietary lean operating system FLIGHT DECK to streamline critical processes such as engine overhauls and fuel nozzle changes. Outcomes eliminate waste and streamline operations, maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality, while often reducing operational times and costs and increasing time on wing.
Advancing more efficient aviation
Sustainability in aviation is a key area of focus for the Middle East, and GE Aerospace is helping to forward the region’s ambitious plans. In 2023, GE Aerospace collaborated with Emirates on two Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight test demonstrations: the first flight in the Middle East and Africa to use 100% SAF in one engine (a GE90 on a Boeing 777), and the first airline to fly an Airbus A380 with one engine fueled by 100% SAF (a GP7200).
These landmark demonstrations contribute to the body of data that supports 100% SAF, including in the Middle East’s unique climate. Currently SAF is approved for use in blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel, and work to certify 100% SAF fuel is a key step toward the industry’s net zero by 2050 goal. We are also proud to collaborate on a number of Etihad’s long-term sustainability initiatives.
As the aviation industry moves toward its collective goal of net zero emissions by 2050, GE Aerospace remains committed to advancing innovations that drive a more efficient and sustainable future of flight.