Aerospace

GE signs deal with GKN to produce aircraft components in India

General Electric (GE) has entered into agreements with GKN to manufacture aircraft components in India

GKN Aerospace and GE expand their strong partnership with a new, comprehensive agreement that covers original equipment production, new technology, and increased aftermarket involvement in the GEnx program.
The comprehensive agreement includes the introduction of sustainable new material solutions along with life-of-program contracts for the GEnx, CF6, GE90, and GE9X fan cases.
GKN Aerospace also joins the worldwide GEnx engine repair network, which maintains more than 2,000 operational engines.

GKN Aerospace and GE have strengthened their ongoing partnership in a number of top-notch engine projects, including the GEnx program, which is the fastest-selling high-thrust engine.

The new agreement focuses on three main areas: introducing new technology, making fan cases, and repairing complex engine structures on a large scale.

Airbus has inked new contracts with many Indian suppliers to manufacture commercial aeroplane components, supporting the Government of India’s “AatmaNirbharBharat” goal.

Airbus has signed contracts with Aequs, Dynamatic, Gardner, and Mahindra Aerospace for the supply of airframe and wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programmes.

Innovative Collaboration: GKN Aerospace and GE Enhance Engine Programs

The introduction of cutting-edge technology into the GEnx program will concentrate on using alternative materials, which are more environmentally friendly, for several products currently in use.

GKN Aerospace will offer its expertise in component design and its latest technologies to help reduce carbon emissions and costs in the GEnx program. Upgraded components are expected to be developed, tested, and integrated from 2024 to 2030.

Under the new agreement, GKN Aerospace has also secured long-term contracts. They will now supply 100% of the fan cases for GEnx, CF6, and GE90 engines, as well as 50% of the fan case assembly for GE9X engines throughout the program’s duration.

GE Sign Long-Term Deal for Engine Advancements

The enhanced partnership also includes GKN Aerospace becoming part of GE Aerospace’s repair network. They will provide specialized repair services for the GEnx engine, using their expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced components across their global repair network.

Joakim Andersson, President of GKN Aerospace’s Engines business, emphasized the long-standing and strong relationship with GE Aerospace, which has spanned over 40 years.

He stated that this new agreement will ensure continued collaboration to develop technologies and solutions for leading engines like the GEnx and CF6.

Kathy MacKenzie, Vice President of GE Aerospace’s commercial programs, expressed excitement about expanding their strategic relationship with GKN. She highlighted GKN’s design skills and production capacity, which will meet the strong demand for the GEnx engine, and their component repair services, which will offer cost-effective options for their service customers.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.