Following technology trials and aircraft maintenance technician training, Air India is the latest airline to adopt GE’s 360 Foam Wash to help maintain its GEnx-powered Boeing 787 fleet.
Air India previously received a technical license from GE Aviation to use GE’s patented 360 Foam Wash system on its GEnx-1B aircraft engines, and has now industrialized the innovative cleaning system into its maintenance process.
GE’s 360 Foam Wash is an alternative to the water wash method. It helps restore engine performance leading to reductions in fuel consumption. The process involves injecting a specially-formulated, proprietary solution that removes dust and dirt particles in the engine.
“Air India prides itself on our sustained commitment to adopt innovative technology, like GE’s 360 Foam Wash. This will have a significant positive impact on AI’s fuel efficiencies besides curbing the CO2 emission appreciably. In 2022, we expect to attain fuel savings of approximately 230,000 gallons and a reduction of more than 2,200 metric tonnes of CO2 on our fleet of 27 Boeing 787 aircraft, compared to water wash methods,” said Vinod Hejmadi, director Finance, Air India.
During technology tests with its GEnx engines, the 360 Foam Wash solution allowed Air India to improve engine performance by reducing build-up of deposits in the engine, lowering engine exhaust temperatures, and improving engine compressor efficiency.
The system is self-contained, allowing it to be used inside maintenance hangars or outdoors. GE’s 360 Foam Wash is approved for use on multiple GE engine programs, including models of GE90, GEnx, CF34 and CF6.
Including Air India, seven airline customers have been awarded licenses for 360 Foam Wash.
“GE’s 360 Foam Wash is an example of GE Aviation’s innovative maintenance solutions to help keep our engine fleets flying with improved performance for our customers,” said Vikram Rai, South Asia and Indonesia country leader for GE Aviation. “Air India has always been at the forefront of technological developments, and we are delighted that they will be using 360 Foam Wash technology.”