GE-led engine venture gears up

CFM International, the General Electric engine venture with Safran SA, will increase output by more than 10 percent by 2019 to meet growing demand from Airbus, Boeing and China's Comac. Production, due to exceed 1,500 turbines this year, will hit 1,700 in six years, CFM Executive Vice President Chaker Chahrour said at the Dubai Air Show. CFM International is the exclusive engine provider for Boeing 737 and Comac C919 and competes for orders with the Pratt and Whitney-led International Aero Engines joint venture on the Airbus A320. Boeing announced plans to boost 737 output 24 percent to 47 jets per month by 2017, with Airbus considering a move beyond a build rate of 42 planes. (Source: Bloomberg, 11/17/13) Gulf Coast note: Airbus is building an A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala.; Safran has an operation in Mobile; GE Aviation has engine parts plants in Ellisville, Miss., Batesville, Miss., and Auburn, Ala. Previous: Mobile planes in Delta order; American picks up A319; Airbus to offer wider seats