During its initial ground tests, a GE90 engine achieved unprecedented power for a jet engine, reaching 122,965 pounds of thrust.

The Guinness Book record-setting thrust level was established in November 2001 during tests of a GE90-115B development engine at GE's outdoor test complex near Peebles, Ohio.

In late 2002, the GE90-115B broke its original record by reaching 127,900 pounds of thrust during final certification testing. The new record shatters the previous mark and represents outstanding design margin and engine capability.

"The record wasn't a test objective; it simply resulted from the test program established for airworthiness certification," says David Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of GE Transportation. "It confirms the performance margin inherent in the GE90. Designed as part of a growth strategy for the Boeing 777 aircraft family, the GE90 continues to surpass expectations and provide unmatched value for airlines flying longer-range routes."

The GE90-115B, the world's most powerful turbofan engine, is the exclusive powerplant for Boeing's longer-range 777-300ER and -200LR twinjets.

The new record was set while completing a required U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 150-hour block test. During this intensive test, the engine ran for approximately 60 hours at triple red-line conditions (maximum fan speed, maximum core speed and maximum exhaust gas temperature) to evaluate the engine at its operational limits. The test is designed to demonstrate the engine's capability beyond the most extreme operating conditions.

"From the outset, we took a low-risk path to 115,000 pounds of thrust for the derivative GE90-115B engine," said Chaker Chahrour, general manager, GE90 Project Department. "The performance margin will translate into engine durability and, ultimately, operational reliability for the airlines."

In April 2004, the GE90-115B entered into service powering Boeing's 777-300ER.