GE Aviation Systems has been quietly making the most of the downturn to plan an assault on aerospace markets dominated by other companies. While General Electric is one of the big three aero-engine manufacturers, in areas such as avionics and power systems, where it has grown partly through acquisition, it recognizes a need to be bold and innovative so as to take on the likes of Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Thales in avionics and market-leader Hamilton Sundstrand in power systems.
GE has therefore bucked the trend in the recession to build its presence, invest heavily in research and technology (R&T) and ready itself for possible systems integrator roles on major aircraft programs. Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems, told AIN that more than five years ago GE identified a desire to “grow beyond engines so as to lever the brand recognition and the scale we have. “
