Lufthansa Technik AG and GE Aviation will create a new, state-of-the-art engine overhaul facility in Europe to service GEnx-2B and GE9X engines. Under terms of a Memorandum Of Understanding, the new joint venture is expected to be operational in 2018. Closing of the joint venture is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals.

The MOU was signed at the Paris Air Show by GE Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer David Joyce, Deutsche Lufthansa AG CEO Carsten Spohr, GE Aviation Services President and CEO Kevin McAllister, and Lufthansa Technik AG CEO Dr. Johannes Bussmann.

The new joint venture will be equipped to perform the full range of engine maintenance services for the GEnx-2B and the GE9X, powering the Boeing 747-8 and Boeing 777X, respectively. The partners will continue to collaborate on repair development and mobile support services.

“We are committed to building a world-class facility that will help meet future demand for GEnx-2B and GE9X overhauls,” said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of GE Aviation, Services. “Lufthansa Technik has an excellent reputation for engineering expertise and customer service, and we are pleased to extend our long-standing collaboration with the formation of this new facility.”

“Signing the agreement for this joint venture expresses our determination to significantly expand our long-standing and proven partnership for the technical support and development of state-of-the-art wide body aircraft engines,” said Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa. Lufthansa Technik AG’s CEO Dr. Johannes Bussmann added: “The combination of the know-how of a leading manufacturer and the extensive experience of one of the world’s leading maintenance organizations will mean the highest in quality and cost advantages for our airline customers.”

For 40 years, Lufthansa Technik AG has provided technical support for GE engines. Lufthansa Technik has already developed the skills and knowledge needed for fast, smaller repairs to the GEnx-2B engines used in the Boeing 747-8. The first two of these maintenance events – known as “quick turns” – are in progress and will conclude by the end of June. Lufthansa is the largest operator of the GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8, and is the launch customer for the Boeing 777-9X aircraft, with 34 aircraft on order and deliveries scheduled to begin in 2020.

More than 400 GEnx-2B engines are in service, and the fleet has accumulated 1.7 million flight hours and 300 thousand cycles with outstanding performance. Compared to GE’s CF6 engine, the GEnx engine offers up to 15 percent better fuel consumption, which translates to 15 percent less CO2.

The GE9X engine will be in the 100,000 pound thrust class. Key features include a 134-inch diameter composite fan case and 16 composite fan blades; a next-generation 27:1 pressure-ratio 11-stage high-pressure compressor; a third-generation TAPS III combustor for high efficiency and low emissions; and CMC material in the combustor and turbine. Almost 700 GE9X engines have been ordered by customers since it was launched on the Boeing 777X aircraft last year. Engine certification is scheduled for 2018.