GE Aviation will be supplying four of its CF6-80E1 engines to power four new Airbus A330-200 jets ordered recently by Aerolineas Argentinas. The CF6 high-bypass turbofan engines are of an earlier generation that GE intends to replace with its forthcoming GEnx series, but continue to operate in a wide variety of civilian airliners.
GE's CF6 engines are installed in over 10 models of wide-body aircraft, and have established an record of reliability with more than 390 million flight-hours in service. The CF6-80E1 is a variant with thrust rating of 67,500 to 72,000 lb. (300 to 320 kN.)
GE reported the CF6-80E1 engine has the lowest operating and maintenance costs compared to other A330 engine options. In 2012, GE Aviation refined the engine’s component efficiencies to provide up to a 1% improvement in fuel efficiency for Airbus's enhanced A330 aircraft. Those enhancements will allow an increase in payload, greater range, and lower operating costs on the CF6-80E1 engine, and will become the production standard for all new CF6-80E1 engines, with current operators having the option to incorporate many of these enhancements at engine overhaul.
More than 550 CF6-80E1 engines have been delivered for the Airbus A330 aircraft.
"The superior fuel efficiency for our routes and lower maintenance costs of GE's CF6-80E1 engines were the key features that led us to select GE to power our new A330 fleet," stated Christian Landriscina, Aerolineas technical and supply chain vice president.
Aerolineas Argentinas serves regional and international destinations from Buenos Aires and is carrying out a fleet renewal program.
"GE and Aerolineas Argentinas have a strong relationship with the majority of their fleet powered by GE or CFM56 engines," stated Doug Izarra, GE Aviation’s v.p. of sales for the Americas. "The selection of CF6-80E1 engines will continue to strengthen our relationship and demonstrates Aerolineas Argentinas continued commitment to GE technology."
