In reference to Japan Airlines’ recent agreement with Boeing for the potential acquisition of up to twenty 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, GE Aerospace has announced that the airline has placed an order for GEnx-1B engines to power these new aircraft.

“GE Aerospace and Japan Airlines have a long and enduring relationship that stretches back decades, including being the launch customer for the GEnx engine,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. “We’re honored Japan Airlines continues to place their trust in our products and services with this new order.”

The GEnx engine family has more than 56 million flight hours since entry into service in 2011 and is the fastest-selling, high-thrust engine in GE Aerospace history with nearly 3,000 engines in service and on backlog, including spares.

“As a launch airline for GEnx powered 787 Dreamliner, we are delighted at introducing additional 787s. Since incorporation into our fleet, the GEnx engine has proven to be high performance, reliable and fuel efficient through thousands of flight hours,” said Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines. “The GEnx engine is essential to the expansion of our 787 Dreamliner fleet.”

The GEnx-1B engine is utilized in two out of every three Boeing 787 aircraft currently in operation. Similar to all GE Aerospace engines, the GEnx is compatible with approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends. Representing a significant advancement in propulsion technology, the GEnx incorporates lightweight and durable materials, along with cutting-edge design processes, to achieve weight reduction, enhanced performance, and reduced maintenance requirements. Consequently, it stands as the optimal engine choice for long-haul flights.

Japan Airlines and its subsidiary currently operate a fleet of 53 Boeing 787s powered by the GEnx engine, achieving 3 million engine flight hours in early 2024. The airline also utilizes GE Aerospace’s CF6, GE90, CF34, and CFM56 engines.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.