March 04, 2010 — HYDERABAD, INDIA — GE Aviation and India’s national carrier Air India have signed a GE Branded Services Agreement (GBSA) under which GE Aviation will provide technical support as Air India offers maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the GEnx-1B engine and further advances its plans to become a global MRO service provider.

Under the GBSA, Air India will be licensed to perform maintenance and overhaul work on the GEnx-1B engine. GE will provide Air India with assistance on overhaul workscoping and component repair licenses, comprehensive material support and training.

The GEnx-1B engine will power Boeing’s 787 aircraft. Air India has 27 GEnx-1B-powered Boeing 787 aircraft ordered.

Air India has been overhauling jet engines for more than four decades. During this time, Air India has handled various jet engine models and has acquired expertise in overhauling jet engines at low cost while maintaining high standards of quality. The facility not only caters to the entire widebody aircraft of Air India consistently, but also carries out third party work for customers situated all across the globe.

“Air India envisages a state-of-the-art facility catering to GE90 and GEnx engines, including a new engine test facility. Our strong collaboration with GE will enhance the visibility of the facility in the world and will result in India becoming one of the major engine MRO players. Further, advanced repair technology will also come to the country by way of this agreement,” said Arvind Jadhav, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India.”

“GE Aviation is excited to work with Air India as it expands its MRO capabilities to the GEnx-1B engine,” said Tom Gentile, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation Services. “Air India will offer OEM material and overhaul support to GEnx-1B engine customers in the region to help them keep their engines in top condition.”

Source: General Electric