GE Builds Passport Engine Powering Bombardier’s Global 7000 and 8000 Jets in Kansas

GE has announced which facility will be manufacturing its new Passport engine. The engine will be used to power Bombardier’s Global 7000 and 8000 ultra-long range business jets that are currently in development. The Passport engine will be assembled at GE Aviation’s Strother, Kansas facility. Strother will receive $7 million USD to invest in new machinery and equipment that will enable them to assemble, maintain, repair and overhaul the engine.

Kansas is excited by GE’s decision because it demonstrates GE Aviation’s commitment to the Strother plant. The decision has guaranteed a long term workload for Strother by positioning them in a key role during the entire life cycle of the engine. GE Aviation first began operating out of Strother in 1951. They currently service CFM56, CF34, T700 and CT7 engines for various helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. After installing new equipment and training employees the first completed passport engine is expected to roll off the assembly line in 2016. Full volume production will be reached sometime in 2017.

The GE Passport engine produces nearly 16,500 lbs. of thrust and provides 8% lower specific fuel consumption than other engines in its class. The enhanced performance and efficiency is due to advanced technologies and materials and its development as an Integrated Propulsion System. As a result of its rigorous testing and improvements the engine surpasses the Committee on Aviation Environment Protection Tier 6 emission standards and meets the Federal Aviation Administration Stage 4 noise regulations.  As of March 2015, more than 1,000 hours and 500 cycles have been accumulated for the Passport test program. The first flight of the Passport was made on December 30, 2014 on GE’s 747-100 flying test bed in Victorville, California.

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