Press release
GE Honda readies HF120 for entry into service, Steven J. Shaknaitis appointed as new president
ORLANDO, Florida – October 20, 2014 - GE Honda Aero Engines continues to build momentum toward entry into service for its HF120 turbofan engine in early 2015 on Honda Aircraft Company’s HondaJet. In May, GE Honda announced its Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility will be located at Honda Aero, Inc. (HAI) in Burlington, NC and has since developed a strong network of Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) to prepare its support for customers in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
“We have aligned ourselves with the best service centers in the industry to deliver exceptional support for customers flying our product.” said Masahiko Izumi, executive vice-president of GE Honda Aero Engines. “Expanding the HAI production facility to also include MRO will give us the flexibility to better respond to customer demands.”
The ASP network is supported by a 24/7 GE Honda Operations Center, and a growing team of dedicated Field Technical Managers (FTMs) and Customer Team Managers (CTMs).
Other customer support operations that are in the final phase of system validation include:
- parts logistics with an online inventory viewing and ordering system;
- warehousing of new and repaired/exchange parts;
- pool of rental engines supporting the fleet
- pool of rental engines supporting the fleet;
- technical manuals with easy navigation and 3D viewing of parts;
- world-class diagnostics & trend monitoring; and
- technical training with an engine-to-aircraft interface mockup.
GE Honda Aero Engines offers long-term Engine Maintenance Care programs that extend beyond the basic engine warranty, with coverage of both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events. The two levels of service coverage offered under this program are EMC2, a hands-off solution for customers requiring comprehensive service, and EMC, which is predominantly a parts-only program. Both programs are offered through the GE Honda ASP network.
GE Honda also announced the appointment of Steven J. Shaknaitis as president of GE Honda Aero Engines, replacing Terry Sharp who recently retired from the company. Mr. Shaknaitis brings a wealth of experience with more than 31 years of aviation/gas turbine experience, including 25 years at GE on various engine platforms including the T700/CT7 military and civil engines, the F404/F414 military engines, and most recently the GE90 engine program. He also has served in leadership roles in Program Management, Customer Support, MRO, and Engine Services. Previously, Steve was with Textron Lycoming.
“We want to thank Mr. Sharp for guiding the HF120 program through the critical milestone of engine certification, which occurred in December 2013, positioning the program for future success”, said Mr. Shaknaitis.
About GE Honda Aero Engines
GE and Honda formed a 50/50 joint venture in 2004, called GE Honda Aero Engines, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The joint company integrates the resources of GE Aviation and Honda Aero, Inc., a Honda subsidiary established to manage its aviation engine business. The GE Honda HF120 engine program was launched in 2006 and was selected to power Honda Aircraft Company’s advanced light jet, the HondaJet.
To date, the HF120 program has accumulated close to 20,000 cycles and more than 10,000 hours demonstrating maturity prior to entering service.
For additional information about GE Honda, please visit our website at http://www.gehonda.com
For questions on GE Honda Aero Engines’ business, please contact Mel Solomon at +1-513- 552-7857.
To learn more about GE Honda Aero Engines and the HF120 engine, visit us at Booth 5031 during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), held from October 21-23 in Orlando, Florida.
About Honda
Honda (NYSE: HMC) is the world’s largest engine manufacturer, annually producing more than 27 million engines for a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, and Honda and Acura automobiles.
Honda’s website: http://www.honda.com and its media website: http://www.hondanews.com and its media website: http://www.hondanews.com
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.
GE’s website: http://www.ge.com, and its Aviation business: http://www.geaviation.com