ecomagination

Nigeria’s leading domestic carrier, Arik Air, is focused on reducing noise and emissions as well as improving performance. That is why the airline selected a trio of GE ecomagination engines when it purchased the country’s first new commercial jets in more than 20 years. In 2008, Arik Air chose GEnx engines to power its seven new Boeing 787 aircraft, and increased its fleet with the purchase of seven new Boeing Next-Generation 737s powered by CFM56-7B Tech Insertion engines. These aircraft join the airline’s five previously purchased Boeing 777-300ER/-200LR aircraft powered by GE90-115B engines.

GE engines are built with high customer expectations like those of Arik Air in mind. GE90-115B, the world’s largest, highest-thrust commercial engine, is also — pound for pound — one of the most efficient. The engine has superior fuel burn and lower overall emissions due in part to its improved combustor. “The advanced, environmentally-focused technologies these engines provide will lower emissions and increase fuel efficiency while enabling us to expand to international routes,” said Sir JIA Arumeni-Johnson, Chairman of Arik Air. “This coupled with a robust engine, will play a crucial part in the development and success of Arik Air.”

Based on the proven technologies of the GE90, the GEnx is the fastest-selling engine in GE’s history, with more than 1,100 sold to date. GEnx emissions have certified at an average of 86 percent below current regulatory limits. The engine will also be the quietest that GE has produced, based on a pound-of-thrust-per-decibel ratio. As the world’s only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of carbon fiber composites, the GEnx is also designed to have greater durability and better performance retention, as well as lower operating costs, than comparable engines in its class.

CFM56 Tech Insertion engines are providing nearly 110 operators worldwide with lower fuel consumption, longer on-wing life, lower maintenance costs and lower emissions compared to the CFM engine it replaces. The engine also meets new International Civil Aviation Organisation Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP 6) that took effect in early 2008. CFM56 Tech Insertion is a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and GE.