Bel Air Aviation Becomes First Customer for GE Aerospace's CT7 Software Upgrade

MADRID - Bel Air Aviation is the first to sign a letter of intent for a software update specifically tailored for GE Aerospace's CT7-2E1 engine. As the fleet leader for the AW189/CT7-2E1, the groundbreaking Version 6.0 of the Electronic Engine Control Unit (EECU) software upgrade will be installed on all of Bel Air's current CT7-2E1-powered Leonardo AW189 fleet.

"We are thrilled to continue to support Bel Air's CT7 engines through the integration of the transformative Version 6.0 software update powering the AW189," said Elissa Lee, executive director, commercial rotorcraft programs at GE Aerospace. "Being first to embrace this new iteration of software further solidifies Bel Air's dedication to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements within the industry."

The EECU Version 6.0 software upgrade - which takes approximately 30 minutes to be installed and is scheduled at the customer's convenience- is being offered for the more than 230 CT7-2E1 engines currently in service. The updateintroduces a new suite of benefits aimed at optimizing aircraft performance and mission readiness. These include:

Longevity of Components: The software extends the life of components which increases time on wing and reduces operator maintenance.

Reduced Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Disruptions: Tailored Time Limited Dispatch (TLD) algorithms reduce AOGs due to fault lights.

Reduced Pilot Workload: The software's new Prognostic Diagnostic Based Management (PDBM) enables automated power assurance check (PAC) in the cockpit allowing for real time calculations, reduced engine-to-engine PAC variation, and reduced landing issues related to soft or unlevel ground.

Denmark-based Bel Air Aviation specializes in flights to offshore oil and gas and offshore wind turbine sites. Passing 7,000 flight hours on the first AW189 helicopter in the world, Bel Air is the world leader in AW189 flight hours. The company also uses GE Aerospace's TrueChoice Flight Hour services, an engine maintenance plan that helps operators optimize their cost of ownership of the entire lifecycle of their engine assets.

"The helicopter industry has significantly evolved over the last decade. At Bel Air, we couldn't be more pleased with our longstanding relationship with GE Aerospace. We greatly appreciate that GE is moving with the times, not least in the optimization of aircraft performance, lower fuel consumption, and thereby lower CO2 emission - essential areas for us to continue our movement towards flying greener and ensuring more sustainable operation," said Susanne Hessellund, managing director and founder of Bel Air Aviation.

The -2E1 version of the highly successful CT7 family is designed with an emphasis on low fuel consumption, low cost-of-operation and with advanced technologies to ensure the aircraft meets the customer requirements for long-range, high-speed and Category A performance. The engine leverages more than 100 million flight hours of experience from the T700/CT7 engine family while incorporating a state-of-the-art Full Authority Digital Control (FADEC) and advanced materials.

About GE Aerospace 
GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and systems for commercial and military aircraft with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed base of more than 40,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight. For more information, visit us at www.GEAerospace.com

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For more information, contact:

Mandy Mayfield
[email protected]
(321) 442-1259

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