GE90

GE Aviation has formed a 50:50 joint venture (JV) with Woodward to design and develop fuel systems for GE’s commercial aircraft engines.

The JV will source, supply and service the fuel systems, including fuel inlet and fuel nozzle for the GE90, GEnx, GE9X and other future GE commercial engines.

Woodward, which is a control system solutions and components provider, will be the JV’s preferred supplier.

The company will receive $250m cash, and the partners will work together in the operating results of the respective programmes.

GE Aviation president and CEO David Joyce said: "The fuel systems are a key component to GE’s advanced technology aircraft engines, and Woodward has a strong reputation in fuel systems development and manufacturing.

"The fuel systems are a key component to GE’s advanced technology aircraft engines."

"The joint venture will further strengthen both companies’ capabilities and secure a high-quality fuel systems supplier for GE’s record production volume on large commercial engines."

In recent years, GE has significantly increased production of jet engines and components and has a backlog of more than 1,600 high-thrust engines, such as GE90, GEnx and GE9X. The company’s large commercial engine production more than doubled this year, to around 500 engines.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.

GE’s other partnerships include Aircelle, BAE, NCK, Parker Hannafin, Safran, SKF and Turbocoating.

Image: A GE90 aircraft engine. Photo: courtesy of I, Bubinator / Wikipedia.