GE Aviation gets big order to build flight management system for Boeing's latest aircraft

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The flight management system on the new Boeing 737 MAX will be designed and manufactured in Grand Rapids and Clearwater, Fla, according to executives with GE Aviation.

“GE Aviation’s flight management system controls the aircraft track to an accuracy of 10 meters and the time of arrival to within 10 seconds to any point in the flight plan,” GE Aviation said in announcing the contract..

“Benefits include the ability to fly shorter flight paths and idle-thrust descents which reduces fuel consumption, thereby lowering emissions and community noise levels.”

The first 737 MAX is on track to be delivered in 2017. Boeing has orders for 1,064 737 MAX from airlines and leasing companies worldwide, according to a press release issued by GE Aviation on Thursday, Jan. 31.

Boeing claims its next-generation 737 is the most fuel-efficient and reliable single-aisle airplane today with an 8 percent per-seat operating cost advantage over the nearest competitor, the Airbus 320neo.

Equipped with fuel-efficent new engines and advanced technology winglet, the MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13 percent while maintaining an 8 percent operating cost advantage, company official said.

“Advancements in flight management technology for commercial and military aircraft are essential for the world's ever evolving airspace,” said George Kiefer, vice president of Avionics for GE Aviation.

“Our system is a key part of most airlines’ plan to conduct Required Navigation Performance (RNP) operations, and allows them to realize significant cost savings with lower fuel consumption while benefiting the environment with reduced emissions”.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.

The company employs about 1,400 people in West Michigan, where work is done on systems for the U.S. Air Force KC-46A Tanker, the Boeing 787, the Northrop Grumman X-47B, the COMAC C919, the Gulfstream G650 and the Boeing 737.

Source:  http://www.mlive.com