GE makes progress on 787 engine

An engine that will power the Boeing Co.’s 787 Dreamliner jet has logged in more than 3,500 ground starts, GE announced yesterday.

The GEnx engine has accrued more than 3,400 hours and 4,500 cycles, the company said in its press release. GE expects to receive certification for the GEnx engine this quarter.

“We have conducted extensive testing on the GEnx engine, and the engine has proven itself in terms of improved fuel efficiency, lower noise levels and reduced emissions,” said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program, in a statement. “2008 is another big year for the engine with many major milestones including the first ground test for the GEnx-2B that will power the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and first flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”

Last year, GE began testing the GEnx engine in a “flying testbed” on a Boeing 747 jet. The engine has been on 34 flights for a total of 187 hours in the air, GE said.