NORDAM today announced it is under contract to design and manufacture a revolutionary composite, acoustically‐treated, fixed fan duct for General Electric Aviation's 16,500‐pound‐thrust GE Passport 20 engine.

Although NORDAM and GE have worked together for many years in MRO through their joint venture in Wales, U.K. – NORDAM Europe Ltd., as well as other aftermarket products and programs – this is the first primary structure component designed and manufactured by NORDAM as well as the first composite fixed fan duct on a civil GE engine.

“While we have been building nacelles and thrust reversers for many years, this program launches NORDAM into the higher realm of primary engine structures, which require more rigorous certification testing and structural analysis. We are very proud to have been selected for it by such a world renowned and technologically advanced company as GE,” said NORDAM CEO Meredith Siegfried. “We believe the outstanding relationship we have developed with this premier customer will open the door to future opportunities in the arena of engine hardware.

“Another point of pride is that the component will serve Bombardier's newest, largest and most luxurious aircraft, the Global 7000, Global 8000 series, which melds with our strategy of adding new platforms to our diversified portfolio,” Siegfried said.

The program was awarded in 2012 and spans the expected life of the Passport 20 engine program, as well as future repair needs. The first test unit was delivered to GE in Evendale, Ohio in April 2013.