Kenya Airways selects Dreamliner engines
Kenya Airways has selected the General Electric’s GEnx-1B engines to power its nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi last week, the airline’s Group Managing Director & Chief Executive, Dr Titus Naikuni, said the airline had settled on the GEnx-1B engine due to its thrust capability and fuel
efficiency.
“The 787 is expected to achieve between 15-17% fuel efficiency over the 767 with this particular engine type. This will enable the 787 to fly further with more passengers and cargo than the 767. It is also designed to deliver significant reduction in fuel burn and noise,” explained Dr Naikuni. “In addition, the engines are bigger, quieter and more efficient than the Boeing 767 engines, have reduced fuel burn and longer periods on the wing between overhauls. This means the Dreamliner will come with lower maintenance costs and therefore ability to be flying longer.”
“GE is committed to partnering with African companies to usher in a new dawn of Africa’s growth and increased regional and global integration. Our partnership with Kenya Airways is a case in point that demonstrates how GE works in Africa to increase Africa’s competitiveness with the rest of the world,” said Jay Ireland, President & CEO for GE Africa.
GE claims the GEnx engine will offer up to 15% improved fuel efficiency compared to similar engines, which
translates to 15% less CO2 emissions. It will also cut NOx gases as much as 55% below today’s regulatory limits. The GEnx will be the world’s only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of carbon fibre composites.
“Fuel accounts for about 40% of the airline’s direct costs. The Boeing 787 has been marketed as being as much as 20% more fuel efficient. With rising fuel prices, fuel efficiency was considered as a critical aspect of the selection criteria,” added Dr Naikuni.
To date, approximately 1,300 GEnx engines have been ordered, and the first GEnx-1B engine-powered Boeing 787 Dreamliner was delivered last week.