The Launch of Revolutionary New ‘Foam Wash’ Engine Cleaning System

Qatar Airways has become the first airline in the world to use the ‘GE360 Foam Wash’ system after partnering with GE on a three-year trial of the innovative enhanced engine cleaning technology.

As announced by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, during the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Qatar Science and Technology Park on Monday 21 October 2019, the award-winning airline’s Technical Department is the first in the industry to be awarded a GE technical licence to operate the state-of-the-art technology, which replaces the traditional water wash method to improve engine performance, fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance frequency on GE engine models.

The GE360 Foam Wash system works by injecting a heated detergent solution, specially-formulated to dissolve dust and dirt particles from the engine gas path. Unlike traditional water wash systems the GE360 Foam Wash is a self-contained system, which allows it to be used inside maintenance facilities and is also friendly to the environment.

H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways prides itself on our ongoing commitment to innovation in all areas of business. “Our Technical Department is constantly striving to maintain our position as an airline of the future by introducing the most forward-thinking, ground-breaking and environmentally-friendly technology, and our three-year partnership with General Electric for the GE360 Foam Wash is a testament to this.

“Not only will this exciting development in enhanced engine cleaning assist in reducing maintenance, it will also improve engine performance and fuel efficiency, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”

Qatar Airways Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Anthony Lowery, said: “As the first and only airline in the world to receive a licence to operate the GE360 Foam Wash system to date, we are at the forefront of innovation in aircraft maintenance.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with General Electric on this and future projects, to further position Qatar Airways as a leader in the field of aircraft maintenance.”

GE Vice Chairman and GE Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer David Joyce said: “GE Aviation values its longstanding relationship with Qatar Airways.

“The teamwork that it took to implement GE’s 360 Foam Wash is emblematic of our shared commitment to innovative technology solutions in aircraft maintenance. It seems only fitting that we announce this advanced foam wash system on the 10-year anniversary of the Qatar Science & Technology Park in Doha.

“Our partnership with Qatar Airways, along with the presence of our Advanced Technology and Research Center and On Wing Support hub, have been instrumental in our mission to pioneer new aircraft engine maintenance training, engine services, and digital and analytics technologies in the region.”

Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organization Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

The national carrier for the State of Qatar currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

The airline’s impressive 150,000 square metre aircraft maintenance hangar building is one of the largest, most advanced in the aviation industry, with enough room to accommodate 13 aircraft of different configurations.