[Avionics Today 01-29-2015] GE Aviation announced plans for an additional $15 million investment at the site of its new jet engine manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Ind. The additional investment will go toward Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for its new LEAP engine, one of the engine options on the Airbus A320neo, which is scheduled to enter into service in the fourth quarter of 2015.
LEAP jet engine. Photo: GE Aviation.
GE Aviation is manufacturing the new LEAP engine through CFM International, its 50-50 joint company with GE and Snecma. CFM has logged total orders and commitments with airlines for more than 8,000 LEAP jet engines. The engine is also an option for the Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC’s C919.
The new 300,000-square-foot facility will be operational by January 2016.