Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
SkyWest Orders GE CF34-8E Engines for Embraer 175 Fleet Expansion
SkyWest partners with GE Aerospace to equip 60 Embraer 175 jets with CF34-8E engines, enhancing regional fleet efficiency and sustainability.
In a significant development for the regional aviation industry, SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) has finalized an agreement with GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) to acquire CF34-8E engines and spare parts to power 60 new Embraer 175 (E175) regional jets. This agreement not only extends a decades-long partnership between the two companies but also reinforces the strategic direction of regional air travel in North America and beyond.
GE Aerospace’s CF34 engine family has been a cornerstone of regional aviation since its commercial debut in the early 1990s. With over 11,000 units delivered and a dispatch reliability rate of 99.97%, the CF34 series is widely regarded for its operational reliability and engineering resilience. SkyWest, the largest regional airline operator in the world, has been a central figure in this story, operating more than 1,200 CF34 engines across its fleet.
This latest order underscores the ongoing demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainable propulsion systems in the regional aircraft market, especially as airlines modernize fleets and adapt to evolving environmental and operational standards. The CF34-8E engine, specifically designed for the E170/E175 family, plays a pivotal role in this transformation.
The CF34 engine family traces its roots back to the military-grade TF34 engine developed in the 1970s. Leveraging this foundation, GE Aerospace introduced the CF34-1A for business jets in 1983, followed by the CF34-3 series which powered the Bombardier CRJ100 in 1992. This marked the beginning of a new era in regional commercial aviation, enabling airlines to operate smaller jets efficiently on short-to-medium haul routes.
Over the years, the CF34 engine family has accumulated more than 200 million flight hours and 157 million flight cycles. Its reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs has made it a preferred choice for regional airlines worldwide. The engine’s modular design and long time-on-wing intervals contribute to its cost-effectiveness and operational longevity.
The CF34-8E, introduced in the early 2000s, was specifically engineered for the Embraer E170 and E175 series. With a thrust rating of 14,500 pounds and a bypass ratio of 5:1, it offers a balance of power and efficiency suitable for high-frequency regional operations. The engine is also ICAO Chapter 4 compliant, meeting stringent noise and emissions standards.
The CF34-8E’s design incorporates several features aimed at enhancing performance and maintainability. Its nacelle design facilitates easier access to Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), reducing maintenance time and costs. The engine also includes Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which optimizes fuel efficiency and engine performance across varying flight conditions.
With a specific fuel consumption rate of approximately 0.68 lb/lbf-hr at cruise altitude, the CF34-8E is designed for fuel efficiency. It also benefits from GE Aerospace’s digital performance analytics and maintenance solutions, such as 360 Foam Wash, which helps maintain engine cleanliness and performance over time. Compared to its predecessors, the CF34-8E reduces part count by 15%, which directly contributes to lower maintenance costs and increased reliability. These engineering improvements make it an ideal fit for the operational demands of regional carriers like SkyWest.
“The CF34 engine has a long track record of success with SkyWest… This deal is the next chapter in our enduring relationship.” — Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace
SkyWest’s relationship with GE Aerospace began in 1994 with the introduction of CF34-3B engines on the Bombardier CRJ200. Since then, the airline has become the largest operator of CF34 engines globally, with over 1,200 units in service. This long-standing collaboration has been built on mutual trust, reliability, and shared goals in fleet modernization and operational efficiency.
The newly announced agreement for 60 Embraer 175 aircraft, all powered by CF34-8E engines, is a continuation of this legacy. It also reflects SkyWest’s strategic focus on renewing its fleet to meet growing passenger demand and evolving regulatory requirements. The E175, with its 78–88 seat configuration, is particularly well-suited for regional routes under U.S. scope clause agreements, which limit the size of aircraft operated by regional affiliates of major airlines.
SkyWest’s operational scale is significant. The airline conducts over 2,000 daily flights and partners with major carriers including Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. The addition of 60 new E175s powered by CF34-8E engines will further enhance its ability to serve regional markets efficiently and sustainably.
While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed in full, industry estimates suggest that the deal could exceed $600 million, considering the cost of engines and spares. This investment underscores SkyWest’s commitment to maintaining a modern, efficient fleet amid rising operational costs and competitive pressures.
From an operational perspective, the CF34-8E’s high dispatch reliability, reported at 99.97% over a 12-month rolling period, translates to fewer delays and cancellations, enhancing customer satisfaction and airline profitability. The engine’s compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) also positions SkyWest to meet future environmental regulations and consumer expectations for greener travel.
Additionally, the partnership with GE Aerospace ensures access to a robust support network, including maintenance services, digital analytics, and ongoing product improvements. This comprehensive support structure is critical for airlines operating in the high-utilization regional market segment.
Sustainability is a growing priority in the aviation industry, and the CF34 engine family is aligned with these goals. All CF34 engines, including the -8E variant, are currently certified to operate on approved SAF blends of up to 50%. GE Aerospace is actively participating in industry efforts to develop and certify 100% SAF for commercial use. According to Christina Seda-Hoelle, who leads GE’s regional aircraft engines division, “All of our engines can run on approved sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) today, which includes the CF34 engine.” This capability is crucial as airlines and regulators push toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Beyond fuel compatibility, GE Aerospace is investing in digital solutions that optimize flight paths and engine performance, reducing fuel burn and emissions. These innovations, combined with the CF34-8E’s existing efficiency, make it a forward-looking choice for airlines seeking to balance economic and environmental considerations.
“The CF34 is the workhorse of regional air travel with proven reliability and performance that has been critical to our success for many years.” — Wade Steel, Chief Commercial Officer, SkyWest
SkyWest’s agreement with GE Aerospace for CF34-8E engines marks a pivotal moment in regional aviation. It reflects a strategic alignment between two industry leaders focused on reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. With over 200 million flight hours accumulated by the CF34 engine family and a dispatch reliability rate nearing perfection, the choice of propulsion system is both practical and forward-thinking.
As the regional aviation market continues to grow and evolve, this partnership provides a model for how airlines can modernize fleets while addressing environmental and operational challenges. The CF34-8E engine, with its proven track record and future-ready capabilities, is set to remain a cornerstone of regional jet propulsion for years to come.
What aircraft will the CF34-8E engines power? What is the dispatch reliability rate of the CF34-8E? Are CF34-8E engines compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? When did SkyWest first start using CF34 engines? How many CF34 engines does SkyWest currently operate?
SkyWest Orders GE Aerospace CF34-8E Engines for Embraer 175 Fleet: A Strategic Move in Regional Aviation
The CF34 Engine Family: A Legacy of Innovation
Technical Highlights of the CF34-8E
SkyWest and GE Aerospace: An Enduring Partnership
Economic and Operational Implications
Sustainability and the Future of Regional Aviation
Conclusion
FAQ
The CF34-8E engines will power 60 new Embraer 175 regional jets ordered by SkyWest.
The CF34 engine family, including the -8E, has a dispatch reliability rate of approximately 99.97% over a 12-month rolling period.
Yes, all CF34 engines are certified to operate on approved SAF blends of up to 50%.
SkyWest began using CF34-3B engines in 1994 on Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft.
SkyWest operates more than 1,200 CF34 engines across its fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: SkyWest