GE Aviation Plans 2nd Ceramics Plant

Engine makers are accelerating production efforts amid a rise in aircraft purchasing by carriers seeking more efficient models. At a time when fuel represents the largest share of airline operating costs, improvements in under-wing technology have helped jets operate more economically, said Richard Aboulafia, an analyst at Fairfax, Virginia-based Teal Group. "It becomes essential to replace older, less-efficient jets with newer ones. They pay for themselves," he said."Every decade we get about 10 or 12 percent better. The meaning of that double-digit improvement is so much greater because of the high cost of fuel."