General Electric's Aviation Division Orders More Aircraft

General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) division has recently announced a purchase of fifty-five new airliners. The purchase is for a fifty-three of Boeing's 737-800 Next Generation narrow-body airliners. GECAS also purchased two Boeing 777-300ER, the largest twin-engine, long-range, wide-body airliner currently in production.

Henry Hubschman, president and CEO of GECAS, was present at the recent announcement, and had a few words to say on behalf of his division. "This additional order with Boeing will allow GECAS to help our customers around the world benefit from the leading-edge operational efficiency and excellence that the Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 777-300ER aircraft deliver." GECAS is a very committed unit, and when they purchase aircraft, they typically have an airline which will lease the aircraft in mind, but may not announce it until a later time.

Also present at the press conference were many Boeing personnel. Speaking on behalf of the company was Scott Carson, CEO of Boeing's Commercial Airplanes Division. "Today's order by GECAS reaffirms the Boeing Next-Generation 737 as a highly successful asset, both in operation with our airline customers and in the financial community. GECAS, already the world's largest owner of 737s, continues to add to its portfolio with 309 total Next-Generation 737 orders. GECAS has also been a leader in contributing to the success of the market-leading Boeing 777, which has accumulated 129 orders this year alone, and more than 1,000 orders from 53 different customers since its launch."

About GECAS: General Electric's Commercial Aviation Services division is currently one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, competing with ILFC (International Lease Finance Corporation). GECAS owns over one-thousand aircraft, many of which are powered by General Electric's engines, which is owned by the same parent company. The aircraft are then leased out to airlines for periods of three to five years, at which time airlines can purchase the aircraft, extend the lease, or return the aircraft. GECAS purchases new aircraft, and used, and operates all makers of aircraft, Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer.
About the Ordered Aircraft: The Boeing 777-300ER is the largest aircraft of the 777 family of wide-bodied aircraft. The 777-300ER is able to fly over 8,000 nautical miles, making it a competitive aircraft for leasing. The 777-300ER can carry on average 365 passengers, but can carry up to nearly 500 on short range, all economy flights. The Boeing 737-800 Next Generation is the most popular model of the Next Generation series of 737 aircraft. Being able to seat 189 passengers and operate a flight of around 3,000 nautical miles, makes this narrow body airliner a very capable, and efficient, aircraft to be leased by GECAS.

Source:
"Boeing and GE Commercial Aviation Services Announce Order for 55 Airplanes"