DALLAS, Texas – GE and Weststar Aviation Services announced today at HAI Heli-Expo a five-year TrueChoice Flight Hour service agreement for its fleet of four CT7-2E1-powered Leonardo AW189 helicopters. This agreement is Weststar’s first through GE’s TrueChoice Flight Hour service.
Malaysia-headquartered Weststar accepted its first AW189 in July 2014 and relies on GE’s reliable CT7-2E1 engines to perform long-range, deep-water missions for the offshore industry. Weststar’s AW189 fleet has more than 15,000 flight hours to date, all with GE CT7-2E1 engines.
“We’re thrilled to add Weststar to our TrueChoice customer base,” said Elissa Lee, GE’s Commercial Rotorcraft Programs Director. “TrueChoice Flight Hour is a popular choice for our CT7 operators due to its simplicity and flexibility, which are both hallmarks of how we strive to serve our customers.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with GE through enrolling our CT7 fleet of engines into the True Choice program. The program allows us to offer a differentiating value proposition to our clients through critically enhanced support services including the innovative and sustainable technology driven FADEC CT7-2E1 engine,” said Russ Allen, CTO of Weststar Aviation Services.
The -2E1 version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with an emphasis on low fuel consumption, low cost-of-operation and other technical features to ensure the aircraft requirements of long-range, high-speed and Category A performance. The engine leverages more than 100 million flight hours of experience from the T700/CT7 engine family while incorporating a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Control (FADEC) and advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section.
The CT7-2E1 engine’s reliability is augmented by GE’s continuous improvement approach to engine performance. GE released its Version 6.0 Software update for the -2E1 in 2021, which enables better time-on-wing, digital predictive maintenance, and time-limited dispatch.
As with all of GE’s engines, the CT7-2E1 can run on approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions. GE is heavily involved in the qualifying and testing of approved SAF blends.
About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) rises to the challenge of building a world that works. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today the company’s dedicated team, leading technology, and global reach and capabilities help the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. GE’s people are diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest level of integrity and focus to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for its customers.
About Weststar Aviation Services
Weststar Aviation Services is a global leader in offshore helicopter aviation services. Weststar Aviation Services has served various reputable domestic and multinational oil and gas clients since its inception in 2003. Weststar Aviation Services has broadened the scope of its helicopter services in the realms of Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Government operated contracts and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Weststar Aviation Services continues to expand its global operations in a sustainable and responsible manner, growing its fleet of modern helicopters and technical expertise to meet evolving industry needs.
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Media contact:
William (Cole) Massie
513-288-4489