General Electric to trisect and transition to aviation
The F110-GE-129 engine is the only engine tested and integrated on the fly-by-wire F-15EX. (Image: General Electric)
General Electric announced on 9 November plans to divide into three separate, industry-leading, global public companies.
GE intends to spin-off Healthcare in early 2023, while GE Renewable Energy, GE Power and GE Digital will combine into one business in early 2024.
The remaining body of GE will transition into an aviation-focused company, shaping the future of flight.
GE Aviation is an important supplier of engines for many air forces. It has been awarded a number of significant contracts this year, including a $1.5 billion contract to supply F110 engines for the USAF’s Boeing F-15EX Eagle IIs announced 29 October.
This division is occurring as part of a restructuring project to reduce debt and reassure investors, a decision that has already paid off as stocks soared following the announcement.
It is now on track to reduce debt by more than $75 billion by the end of 2021 and bring its net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio to less than 2.5x in 2023.
As a result, GE is in a strong position to form three well-capitalised, investment-grade companies.
Fears have been raised over the impact on the UK submarine manufacturing infrastructure, as GE tried, unsuccessfully, to move facilities over to France in 2019.
Jeremy Quin addressed concerns during a recent defence committee, he stated: ‘I am pleased to confirm that there is a guarantee in place that the propulsion business [remains in Rugby] until 2024’ and added the Enterprise Act gives the power to intervene should it be necessary.
More from Air Warfare
-
M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
-
Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025
The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
-
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).