The award-winning airline is the first in the industry licensed to use the state-of-the-art ‘360 Foam Wash’ technology on its GEnx-1B engines, aimed at replacing traditional water wash methods on GE engines
Use of the innovative system will contribute towards improving fuel efficiency, decreasing emissions and reducing maintenance costs
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has become the first airline in the world to use General Electric's (GE) '360 Foam Wash’ system after partnering with GE Aviation on a three-year trial of the innovative enhanced engine cleaning technology.
As announced by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, during the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Qatar Science and Technology Park on Monday 21 October 2019, the award-winning airline’s Technical Department is the first in the industry to be awarded a GE technical licence to operate the state-of-the-art technology on its GEnx-1B engines, which replaces the traditional water wash method to restore engine performance, fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance frequency on GE engine models.
GE's 360 Foam Wash system works by injecting a specially-formulated solution to dissolve dust and dirt particles from the engine gas path. Unlike traditional water wash systems GE's 360 Foam Wash is a self-contained system, which allows it to be used inside maintenance facilities and is also friendly to the environment.
H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways prides itself on our ongoing commitment to innovation in all areas of business. Our Technical department is constantly striving to maintain our position as an airline of the future by introducing the most forward-thinking, ground-breaking and environmentally-friendly technology, and our three-year partnership with General Electric for its 360 Foam Wash is a testament to this.
“Not only will this exciting development in enhanced engine cleaning assist in reducing maintenance, it will also restore engine performance and fuel efficiency, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”
Qatar Airways Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Anthony Lowery, said: “As the first and only airline in the world to receive a licence to operate GE's 360 Foam Wash system on its GEnx-1B engines to date, we are at the forefront of innovation in aircraft maintenance.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with GE on this and future projects, to further position Qatar Airways as a leader in the field of aircraft maintenance.”
GE Vice Chairman and GE Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer David Joyce said: “GE Aviation values its longstanding relationship with Qatar Airways.
“The teamwork that it took to implement GE’s 360 Foam Wash is emblematic of our shared commitment to innovative technology solutions in aircraft maintenance. It seems only fitting that we announce this advanced foam wash system on the 10-year anniversary of the Qatar Science & Technology Park in Doha.
“Our partnership with Qatar Airways, along with the presence of our Advanced Technology and Research Center and On Wing Support hub, have been instrumental in our mission to pioneer new aircraft engine maintenance training, engine services, and digital and analytics technologies in the region.”
Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organization Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.
The national carrier for the State of Qatar currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
The airline’s impressive 150,000 square metre aircraft maintenance hangar building is one of the largest, most advanced in the aviation industry, with enough room to accommodate 13 aircraft of different configurations.
Qatar Airways has launched a host of exciting new destinations in 2019, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, Morocco; Davao, Philippines; Izmir, Turkey; Mogadishu, Somalia; Langkawi, Malaysia; and will add Gaborone, Botswana, to its extensive network in October 2019.
Notes to Editors:
About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating more than 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 160 business and leisure destinations on board a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft. The world’s fastest-growing airline has added a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network this year, including Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; Malta; Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; and Mogadishu, Somalia. The airline will add Langkawi, Malaysia and Gaborone, Botswana, in 2019 to its extensive route network along with Luanda, Angola; and Osaka, Japan, following in 2020.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qatar Airways is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times.
Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 160 key business and leisure destinations globally on more than 250 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 17 Boeing 777 freighters and five Airbus A330 freighters.
For further information, please contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200