The largest widebody engine deal in GE Aerospace history, secured through an expanded partnership with Qatar Airways during President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Doha, could provide a major boost for GE Aerospace workers in Wilmington.
Qatar Airways signed an agreement for over 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, along with additional options and spares, to power its next generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft — marking the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace history, according to a news release from GE Aerospace.
“Wilmington produces advanced and rotating parts that are key to these widebody engines’ performance,” Matthew Lehner, director for policy communications with GE Aerospace, said in an email. “This deal supports the nearly 2,000 workers GE Aerospace employs across North Carolina, including in Asheville, Durham and West Jefferson that all play a role in the production and assembly of the engines.”
The two agreements also include provisions for maintenance, repair and overhaul of the engines.
Both Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. expressed their appreciation for the expanded and ongoing partnership.
Since its launch in 2011, the GEnx engine family has logged more than 62 million flight hours and stands as GE Aerospace’s best-selling high-thrust engine, according to the release. With over 3,600 engines in service and backlog, including spares, the GEnx powers two-thirds of all 787 aircraft in operation.
As for the GE9X engine, GE Aerospace classifies it as the world’s most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient in its class. The GE9X engine is exclusively available on Boeing 777X aircraft (777-9 and 777-8), and it offers 10% better fuel efficiency than its predecessor, the GE90-115B.
Both engines are certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel blends.
Prior to the expansion, Qatar Airways had a previous order with GE Aerospace for 188 GE9X engines and an existing order for 124 GEnx engines, according to the release. More than half of GE Aerospace’s revenue is generated from selling engines and services to international customers.
In addition to the signed agreements, Trump’s visit to Doha sparked controversy over the possibility of receiving a Boeing 747 from the government of Qatar as the next presidential aircraft — a $400 million foreign gift that would mark the largest ever given to a U.S. president, according to USA TODAY. Trump has said the plane would be turned over to his presidential library after he leaves office.
About the Author
