GE Aviation is pleased to announce IHI Corporation (IHI: previously named Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries), Snecma and Techspace Aero (Safran), and MTU Aero Engines AG as participants in the GE9X engine program. The program participants will play a very significant role combining for approximately 25% share in the GE9X program, which is in development for the Boeing 777X aircraft.

“The GE9X engine has been well received by customers with orders for more than 600 engines since it was selected to power Boeing's 777X aircraft last year,” said Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Commercial Engine Operation. “GE has long-standing relationships with all the international participants selected for the GE9X program, and we look forward to working with these valued partners to deliver new technologies for the most fuel efficient wide body engine in the world.”

IHI: With headquarters in Japan, IHI will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of various components in the low-pressure turbine and the fan mid-shaft.
History: IHI is a participant on the CF34, GE90, GEnx and Passport engine programs and has been producing GE military engines under license for more than 60 years.

Snecma (Safran): Based in France, Snecma will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of the 3D-woven composite forward fan case, the turbine rear frame and participate with GE on the composite fan blades through its 50/50 joint venture company at CFAN.
History: Snecma is producing the CFM56 and developing the LEAP engine within CFM International, the 50/50 joint company with GE and is a participant on the CF6, GE90 and GP7200 engine programs.

Techspace Aero (Safran): Headquartered in Belgium, Techspace Aero will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of the low pressure compressor as well as the manufacturing of the fan disk.
History: Techspace Aero is a participant in the CF34, GEnx and Passport engine programs.

MTU Aero Engines AG: Located in Germany, MTU Aero Engines AG will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of the turbine center frame.
History: MTU is a participant on the F110, CF6, GP7200 and GEnx engine programs.

The GE9X engine will be in the 100,000-pound thrust class with a 10 percent improvement in fuel burn over today's GE90-115B. Key features include: the industry's largest front fan, composite fan case and fourth-generation composite fan blades, highest pressure ratio compressor for any large GE engine, third-generation TAPS (twin annular pre-swirl) combustor for greater efficiency and low emissions, and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material in the combustor and turbine.