SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, has been awarded a technical license from GE to use its 360 Foam Wash system on its CF34 aircraft engines, making SkyWest the first North American operator to license the patented engine cleaning system.
Estimates are that 360 Foam Wash has the potential to help SkyWest Airlines avoid up to 13,900 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions a year by replacing some water washes with foam wash for CF34 engine cleaning.
“We’re excited about GE Aerospace’s latest engine wash technology that will help us to advance our carbon-reduction goals as well as enhance our engine performance across our fleet,” said Joe Sigg, SkyWest’s Vice President of Maintenance.
GE’s 360 Foam Wash is an alternative to water wash for engine maintenance. It can help restore engine performance, leading to reduced fuel consumption and improved time on wing. The process involves injecting a specially-formulated, proprietary solution that reduces build-up of deposits in the engine, which can lower engine exhaust temperatures and improve engine compressor efficiency.
The license was awarded following technology testing and equipment training. SkyWest Airlines aircraft technicians can now perform this new cleaning technique on their own to maintain the airline’s fleet of CF34 engines powering its Embraer 175 and MHI CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft.
The foam wash system is self-contained, allowing it to be used inside maintenance hangars and outdoors. Foam Wash is approved for use on multiple GE engine programmes, including models of the GE90, GEnx and CF34 engine.
