The purchase agreement for Nexcelle's nacelle system to be integrated with GE Aviation's GE Passport 20 jet engine was signed at this week's 2011 Paris Air Show.

The agreement formalizes details of the relationship between Nexcelle and GE Aviation on the development, production and delivery of the nacelle and thrust reverser for the GE Passport 20 integrated propulsion system, which will be used on the new Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 business jet aircraft.

Nexcelle was selected in 2010 for the supply of the GE Passport 20 nacelle and thrust reverser, and this joint venture company of GE's Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) and the Safran group's Aircelle, has been pursuing its development since then. The nacelle system has successfully completed the Joint Conceptual Design Phase and has moved to its next step – the Joint Development Phase.

"This is the first purchase agreement Nexcelle has signed with a customer, and it marks another milestone in the business development of our young, dynamic company," said Nexcelle President Steve Walters.

The purchase agreement was signed at Le Bourget by Walters and Brad Mottier, the Vice President and General Manager of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation Operation. Joining them were Nate Manning, the President of GE Aviation Mechanical Systems; Vincent Mascré, Chairman and CEO of Aircelle; Chuck Nugent, General Manager of GE Small Commercial Engines; and Jacques Chausse, Commercial General Manager of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation Operation.

The GE Passport 20 nacelle system benefits from Nexcelle's pioneering approach to integrated propulsion systems, and will incorporate innovative technologies from its MRAS and Aircelle parent companies. It is Nexcelle's second integrated propulsion system win since the company's creation in 2008. Nexcelle also has been selected to supply the nacelle for CFM International's LEAP-X1C integrated propulsion system on the COMAC C919 airliner.