LYNN, Massachusetts – September 24, 2015 – GE Aviation and Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (“Era”) signed two engine service agreements for the CT7-2E1 and -8A turboshaft engines powering the new, twin-engine AgustaWestland AW189 and Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, respectively. These landmark agreements begin a new GE–Era partnership by servicing the newest additions to Era’s fleet, the first AW189s operating in North America and the S-92s, under the Maintenance Cost Per Hour (MCPHsm) engine service program.
“GE is very pleased to partner with Era in supporting their entry into service of both the AW189 and S-92 aircraft, as well as bringing their CT7-2E1 and -8A engines under MCPHsm coverage,” said Peter Kielty, Regional Vice President of Turboshaft Engine Sales at GE Aviation. “The MCPHsm program has proven itself as a valuable customer solution and will serve Era and their customers well in the offshore oil and gas mission".
“Era’s commitment to deliver safety and operational excellence resonates through every aspect of our business. Our customers around the world depend on us to provide and maintain a safe, efficient and reliable fleet. We are pleased to engage in this strategic partnership with GE as we continue to identify and execute value-added initiatives to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Stuart Stavley, SVP Operations & Fleet Management of Era.
The 2,500-shaft-horsepower-class CT7-8A and the 2,000-shaft-horsepower-class CT7-2E1 engines are leaders in GE's successful T700/CT7 family of turboprop and turboshaft engines, powering 25 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with more than 130 customers in more than 50 countries.
More than 500 CT7-8As have been produced and are installed on more than 225 Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. The CT7-2E1 is the latest civil-certified addition to the CT7/T700 family of engines and includes a full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system and state-of-the-art hot section materials for increased power, reliability and fuel savings. More than 75 CT7-2E1 engines have been produced for installation on the AW189 following U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) engine certifications in 2013.
The highly reliable T700/CT7 design has proven itself in harsh environments, compiling more than 90 million engine flight hours. The T700/CT7 has extensive experience in battlefield operations for U.S. and international militaries in a variety of combat and utility helicopter applications, as well as vast experience in a variety of commercial helicopter and fixed-wing applications.
GE’s turboshaft production locations include: Lynn, MA (design, assembly, test); Rutland, VT (compressor vanes): Hookset, NH (blisks tubes, compressor vanes); Madisonville, KY (turbine blades, nozzles); Dayton, OH (tubes, brackets, ducts); Muskegon, MI (turbine shrouds, nozzles); Strother, Kansas (assembly, overhaul); Jacksonville, FL (electrical components).
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
About Era Group Era Group is one of the largest helicopter operators in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S. In addition to servicing its U.S. customers, Era Group also provides helicopters and related services to third-party helicopter operators and customers in other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, India, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. Era Group's helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore installations, drilling rigs and platforms.