Boeing will offer the first five customers of its 747-8I VIP airliner the option of using loaned General Electric GEnx-2B engines for ferry flight, to be replaced by production-configuration models on completion.
The deal is only offered on the first five VIP aircraft, but the two partners may extend this to other VIP models in future.
Called the "GE Pusher Program" the engines are sourced from the aircraft's flight-test fleet or the lease pool.
The airframer said the move will cut the need for engine maintenance while the aircraft undergo the 18-24 month completion process.
Customers will receive new engines post-completion that will include any performance updates that GE has incorporated.
"At Boeing Business Jets we work very closely with our customers to ensure we're providing the products and services that best fit their needs," said Capt Steve Taylor, BBJ president. Feedback from customers had indicated an appetite for the programme, he said.
However, Taylor said that programme managers initially "looked at me as though I had three eyes" when he presented them with the engine loan concept.
"But I convinced them. It works out really well for GE, for Boeing and most important works out really well for our customers."
The airframer has 37 VIP aircraft worth $5.4 billion in its backlog - 17 of its 737-derived BBJs and 20 widebodies, eight 747-8Is and "about a dozen" 787s.
Due to the growth in popularity of the twin-aisle aircraft, the company has increased the number of licensed completion centres to 15. This includes its first in China, TAECO, in which it has an equity stake.
Boeing Business Jets, a joint venture between Boeing and GE, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Source: Flight Daily News
