This year is a "defining year" for GE Aircraft Engines, with a range of initiatives and achievements, said company president and CEO Gene Murphy at the Show.
Against a background of economic recovery in which airlines are returning to profit, GE has market leadership and has achieved a number of landmarks.
These include GE90 ETOPS testing completed on the Boeing 777, launch of the CF34-8C programme and the "historic creation" of the GE-Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance under the B747 growth programme.
Despite the upturn in customers' fortunes, the world has changed for good, says Murphy.
"Our customers demand cost-effective solutions," he says. "There is a new reality, with customers demanding lower prices, reduced operating costs and increased reliability.
"We in the industry have to respond in terms of things like reduced cost cycle times, greater speed and higher quality."
To deliver the sort of performance within the organisation that it achieves in the market place, GE is embarking on its Six Sigma 2000 programme which will bring greater quality and productivity.
"This is a defining year for our business," he says. "We believe the industry is poised for growth. We have a winning strategy with a strong management and a high-calibre workforce.
"We are marshalling our forces in order to win in what is a very challenging environment."
Source: Flight Daily News
