GKN Aerospace and GE have signed a major new partnership agreement to long-term support for the GEnx engine programme.

The new agreement focuses on three key areas: new technology insertion, fan case production and assembly, and repair of high volume, complex engines structures.

GKN Aerospace will provide component design expertise as well as its latest technologies to help drive the GEnx programme towards its targets on carbon emissions reduction targets and cost reduction. Upgraded components are expected to go through development, validation and insertion from 2024 to 2030.

As part of the agreement, GKN Aerospace has secured life-of-programme contracts. It will deliver 100% of GEnx, CF6 and GE90 fan cases and 50% of GE9X fan case assembly for the duration of the programme.

GKN Aerospace will also join GE Aerospace’s repair network, supporting the GEnx with specialised repair content.

Joakim Andersson, president of GKN Aerospace’s Engines business, said, “GE Aerospace and GKN Aerospace have had a strong relationship for more than 40 years and we are extremely proud of our partnership. Over the years we have grown our responsibility across all major GE engines and today we are in long-term partnerships with design authority for multiple programmes. This major new agreement is the next step. It ensures that we will continue to jointly develop the right technologies and solutions for world-leading engines such as the GEnx and CF6 for today and the future.”

Kathy MacKenzie, vice president, GE Aerospace commercial programs, added, “We are excited to expand our strategic relationship with GKN. Their design expertise and production capability will enable us to continue to meet strong demand for the GEnx engine, and their component repair development will offer a cost-saving choice for our services customers.”

Image: GE Aerospace

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