GECAS CFM56-7B Engine Order Valued at $560 Million

FARNBOROUGH, England — 19 July 2010 — GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) today announced an order for CFM56-7B engines to power 40 new Boeing 737-700/-800/-900 aircraft. The engine order is valued at $560 million U.S. at list price and the leasing company is scheduled to begin taking delivery in 2013.

All of GECAS’ new CFM56-7B engines will be the “E” configuration, on schedule for certification by 31 July of this year and entry into service in mid-2011. The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination will provide a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption, which, in turn, equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the enhanced -7B will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating.

CFM is using advanced computer codes and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines to improve engine performance. In addition, the company is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs.

GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,800 owned and managed aircraft with approximately 245 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 23 cities around the world.

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.