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Issue 24 - September 14, 2007

In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:

•	The KC-30's CF6-80E1 engine passes a key operational milestone
•	A new A330 customer with a 20-aircraft order

The KC-30's CF6-80E1 engine passes a key operational milestone

The General Electric CF6-80E1 engine for Northrop Grumman Corporation's KC-30 Tanker recently completed one million takeoff and landing cycles, illustrating the engine's reliability on the A330 aircraft.

The CF6-80E1 was designed specifically for the Airbus A330-200 and -300 platforms, and powers more than 140 aircraft in operation today with 18 operators worldwide. More than 82 percent of the CF6-80E1 propulsion system parts are manufactured in the United States.

GE's CF6 powerplant is among the most utilized and reliable jet engines, equipping more than 10 widebody aircraft versions. The engine has established an unparalleled record of reliability and compiled more than 300 million flight-hours in service with more than 250 customers worldwide.

GE remains committed to the CF6-80E1 and continues to invest in technology improvements for the engine. These advancements, along with proactive maintenance and operational procedures, have increased the engine's time on-wing from 1,500 cycles to 2,500 cycles (a 67 percent increase) in the last four years. All of these improvements result in increased life cycle cost benefits for CF6-80E1 operators.

A new A330 customer with a 20-aircraft order

Hong Kong Airlines has signed a firm contract for 20 A330s, adding another international customer for the commercial jetliner on which Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker is based.

This latest agreement brings total A330 sales in 2007 to nearly 140. Total combined orders for the A330 and its four-engine A340 version now stand at approximately 1,200.

To date, more than 830 A330s and A340s have been delivered, leaving a solid backlog that supports the accelerating production rate for these aircraft.

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com