GE CF34 engine order book growing in tough airline environment

GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) expects to increase its CF34 engine order book by more than 450 engines in 2003, based on the growth of regional jet aircraft. In addition, GEAE forecasts CF34 engine deliveries will exceed 500 in 2003, with more than 450 engines anticipated for delivery in 2004.

"Despite an extremely difficult airline operating environment, the regional jet segment has continued to hold its own," said Charles Blankenship, general manager of GEAE's Small Commercial Engine Operation."The growing installed base of CF34 engines in service will drive continued technology investment into the product line well into the future."

GEAE has spent more than $1.5 billion in CF34 engine technology, and the investment continues to pay returns for GEAE and its customers.Today, approximately 1,700 CF34 engines are powering regional jets for more than 30 airlines, with an additional 500+ CF34 engines powering corporate jets.

By 2005, more than 2,500 CF34 engines will be powering regional jets in the 50- to 90-passenger segment--even though the first CF34 was delivered for regional jets only 11 years ago.

GE launched the CF34 in 1983 by taking the durable TF34 military engine and developing it into a business jet engine for Bombardier's Challenger aircraft.A decade later, GE further developed the CF34 for a new breed of aircraft--the 50-passenger regional jet. The first CF34-powered regional jet, the Bombardier CRJ100, entered service in 1992.

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