GE Aviation Logs $600-Million Aircraft Engine Deal

May 20, 2011
Long-distance carrier books 20-year supply/service contract

General Electric Aviation has a new supply and services contract with AirAsia X worth a reported $600 million. The buyer is a low-cost carrier based in Malaysia that ordered the engines for three new Airbus A330-200 long-range jets.

AirAsia X is a fairly new airline that specializes in long-distance service between London and Kuala Lumpur. It will take six GE CF6-80E1 engines, two for each jet, and the 20-year contract includes maintenance services and an option for engines to power two more jets.

GE Aviation’s CF6-80E1 engine is designed specifically for the Airbus A330 to allow carriers to transport more passengers over longer distances, cost effectively. It is a low-weight, low fuel-burn engine with the highest thrust (72,000 lbs.) engine that GE offers.

The first deliveries in the 20-year contract will be made in 2012.