EVENDALE, Ohio - GoJet Airlines will become the first U.S. operator of the CF34-8C5B1 engine on the Bombardier CRJ700 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in June.
The CF34-8C5B1 is a common engine configuration for both the Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900* aircraft and Bombardier selected it to become the production standard engine for the CRJ700 model. The engine was certified on the aircraft earlier this month.
GoJet, which was formed in late 2004 as a subsidiary of Trans States Holdings, Inc., plans to launch scheduled passenger service with the 70-passenger CRJ700s in August and will operate as a United Express carrier. In March, the airline announced an order for 10 firm, 40 option CF34-powered aircraft and will take delivery of the first 10 CRJ700s by January 2006.
"We're excited about our new relationship with GE," said Richard Leach, president of Trans States Holdings. "The CF34's demonstrated reliability and low operating cost factored into our decision to purchase the CRJ700. We believe this engine/airplane combination will allow us to bring more comfort and convenience to our customers and provide even greater value and utility to our major airline partners."
GoJet will benefit from the costs savings the engine offers, including up to 15 percent lower maintenance costs over 15 years. The common engine will also simplify fleet management and reduce the spare engine investment for operators with mixed CRJ700/CRJ900 fleets.
"We can't wait to introduce the CF34 into GoJet's fleet," said Charles Blankenship, general manager of GE's Small Commercial Engine Operation. "This is a great opportunity to show a new airline how GE and the CF34 have earned their reputations. We appreciate the trust GoJet has shown in making us such an integral part of its operations. We're committed to earn that trust every day as we expand this exciting new relationship."
In addition to the new product configuration, GE is also offering an upgrade package to existing operators. The package would be installed at the first major shop visit.
GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft.
* Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.