Industry GE9X engine achieves FAA certification

The U.S.-American aviation authority Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a certification for GE Aviations latest engine, the GE9X. It is a key milestone both for GE Aviation and aircraft manufacturer Boeing, who will use the engines on their new 777X long-haul aircraft.

FAA has granted the FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) Part 33 certification, which involved eight test engines. This certification culminates GE Aviation´s renewal of its jet engine portfolio, which also includes the GEnx for the 787 Dreamliner and the CFM Leap engine for aircraft like the 737 MAX.

John Slattery, president and CEO of GE Aviation, commented on the milestone: “It takes the world’s best talent in jet propulsion to create a game-changing product like the GE9X engine [...] There is no substitute that can achieve the combination of size, power and fuel efficiency of the GE9X. This engine will deliver unsurpassed value and reliability to our airline customers. I want to congratulate the entire GE9X team and thank Boeing, our partners and suppliers for the collaboration on this incredible achievement.”

Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of Commercial Engines Operation for GE Aviation, added: “Just as the GE90 pioneered new technology for commercial aircraft engines more than 25 years ago on the Boeing 777, the GE9X sets the new standard for engine performance and efficiency thanks to the incorporation of GE’s most advanced technologies developed over the last decade.”

GE Aviation´s GE9X has been put to test for just under 5,00 flight hours and 8,000 cycles for the certification. With the certification, the airworthiness of the engine has been approved. Various tests have been performed to ensure a maximum of safety during all flight phases.

Karl Sheldon, GE9X program general manager, concluded: “The GE9X engine has been through a rigorous and thorough certification and testing process. We are pleased with the performance of the engine, which has been validated through extensive ground and flight testing. We are excited to deliver a mature, state-of-the-art product to operators around the world.”

The GE9X will be applied at Boeing´s latest long-haul aircraft family, the 777X. Eight GE9X test engines and two spares have been produced for the manufacturer´s fleet of four 777X test aircraft. The companies are continuing to work together during the certification process of the 777X.