EVENDALE, OHIO - Southwest Airlines expanded its OnPointSM solution agreement with GE Aviation to cover a total of 196 CFM56*-7B engines which power its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and up to 100 CFM56*-7B engines, that power recently acquired Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
"Having our engines maintained by GE Aviation provides Southwest Airlines with the peace of mind that our fleet is receiving the highest-quality maintenance, repair and overhaul services available straight from the manufacturer," said Mike Van de Ven, executive vice president and COO of Southwest Airlines.
"Southwest Airlines is one of our biggest customers, and we take great pride in ensuring its engines receive the best services and support," said Kevin McAllister, president and CEO of GE Aviation's Services organization. "OnPoint solution agreements enable our customers to focus on their operations, while we work to ensure their maintenance needs are met and their engines are ready to fly."
OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet. These agreements are designed to help lower the customers' cost of ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE's global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.
In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 employees to more than 100 million customers annually. The airline operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 93 destinations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet, turboprop and turboshaft engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.