GE Aviation is preparing to assemble its new Passport engine at its facility in Strother, Kansas, US.
The company plans to spend $7m to install new machinery and equipment to maintain, repair and overhaul the Passport engine.
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The Passport engine is designed to power next-generation large-cabin business jets such as Bombardier’s Global 7000 and Global 8000, which are currently under development.
According to GE, the new engine assembly capability will maintain stable employment levels at the facility.
GE Aviation assembly, test and MRO operations vice-president Tony Aiello said: "This investment will position Strother to play a pivotal role across the entire life cycle of the Passport engine."
The company plans to train employees on the new engine assembly later this year. It is expected to roll the first completed Passport engine off the assembly line in 2016.
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By GlobalDataThe facility is expected to reach full volume production in 2017.
With advanced technologies and materials, the Passport engine is said to generate 16,500 pounds of thrust, and offer 8% in fuel efficiency over other engines in the segment.
As of 1 March, the Passport test programme accumulated more than 1,000 hours and 500 cycles.
GE commenced operations at the Strother plant in 1951, and it currently services CFM56, CF34, T700 and CT7 engines for single-aisle aircraft, regional aircraft and various helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
