EVENDALE, OHIO - The first Airbus Industrie A330-200 aircraft powered by GE's CF6-80E1A3 engines has entered revenue service with Air France.
The CF6-80E1A3 has the highest thrust rating within the CF6 family at 72,000 pounds (320 kN). The engine incorporates the R88DT high-pressure turbine rotor proven on the CF6-80C2 plus 3-D aerodynamic enhancements to the compressor. These improvements lower operating temperatures, increase exhaust gas temperature margin, and increase engine time on wing while retaining the demonstrated CF6 stall-free reliability.
"We are extremely pleased with the delivery of the first CF6-80E1A3-powered A330 with Air France," said David Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE). "The CF6-80E1A3 incorporates the latest technology and is part of the Company's strategy to build market share in this category."
Approval and entry into service of the CF6-80E1A3 for 180-minute ETOPS (extended-range twin-engine operation) on the A330-200 reflects the demonstrated reliability of the CF6 family. The CF6-80C2 and -80E1 engines were the first to provide 120- and 180-minute ETOPS operation on Airbus A300, A310 and A330 and Boeing 767 aircraft.
"This delivery signals a new era for the CF6 engine program," said Roger Seager, general manager of GEAE's CF6 Project. "With the highest thrust rating in its class, the CF6-80E1A3 engine is ideally suited to serve extended-range routes for the medium-capacity market."
GE's successful relationship with Air France extends over 27 years, beginning with delivery of the airline's first CF6-50-powered A300. In addition to its newest CF6-80E-powered A330, Air France currently operates over 550 combined GE and CFMI engines on various aircraft.
The CF6-80E1A3 received U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) FAR Type 33 certification in June. The CF6-80E1 engine entered service in January 1994 and has established an impressive service history with over 639,000 flight hours and a dispatch reliability rate of 99.91 percent.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at http://www.geae.com.