GE Aircraft Engines is close to signing a deal with Bombardier to develop a common engine programme for the CRJ700 and CRJ900.
The engine manufacturer says it will supply new-build CRJ700s with derated CF34-8C5s in place of the current CF34-8Cs. It is also expected to develop an upgrade pack for existing customers.
Ronald Hutter, GE general manager for small single-aisle marketing, says: "We have reached an agreement in principle with Bombardier and we are still working out the commercial details, but we hope to have an agreement this month."
Hutter says GE identified component durability, rather than reliability, as an issue on the -8C1, and decided on an entire engine pack rather than to upgrade individual components. Low-pressure compressor and high-pressure stages were both identified as areas of concern, says Hutter. In addition, operators of both CRJ types, notably Air Canada, demanded more engine overhaul commonality.
A common engine should result in a 10-15% reduction in maintenance costs, with the -8C5 requiring less frequent overhaul, he says. The engine will be derated from 14,300lb thrust (64kN) to 13,500lb.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / VIENNA
Source: Flight International
