When Nexcelle was created in 2008, its forward-looking parent companies had a vision: unite the nacelle, thrust reverser and aerostructures capabilities of GE Aviation’s Middle River Aircraft Systems and the Safran group’s Aircelle to develop a new generation of integrated propulsion systems (IPS) with its parent engine companies.
Since then, Nexcelle’s evolution has been truly remarkable, as the market clearly recognized the value proposition of this integrated system approach. Our joint venture scored back-to-back major program wins, and stood up its operations for the successful development and implementation of our committed technologies.
I have had the pleasure of leading Nexcelle since 2009, and the time has come to hand off these responsibilities to its new president, Huntley Myrie, as I become the Product Leader for all of GE Aviation’s nacelle and aerostructures activities.
In reflecting on Nexcelle’s achievements, three keywords come to mind: culture, collaboration and flexibility.
Nexcelle takes best practices from CFM International, which was created by Safran and GE Aviation 37 years ago, and is applying the same culture of working together that has made CFM International the industry reference for successful joint venture operations. This culture is evident across Nexcelle’s daily operations, with teams from Middle River Aircraft Systems and Aircelle having forged the excellent relationships that are allowing our company to effectively evolve the technology and deliver on its program commitments.
We also have demonstrated on a daily basis our commitment to what I’ve been calling Nexcelle’s “flexible and collaborative perimeter” approach in our relationships with the airframe manufacturers. This reflects Nexcelle’s willingness to share responsibilities appropriately with our airframe partners, establishing mutually-agreed upon lines of ownership according to their wishes in such areas as the integrated propulsion system’s pylon, engine inlet or exhaust nozzle. Such an approach brings multiple benefits, including the reduction of development risks, while ensuring that the expertise of each of the partners is utilized to achieve the best possible product for the market.
In completing my last blog posting for Nexcelle, I want to acknowledge the dedication, commitment to excellence, and hard work of everyone at Middle River Aircraft Systems and Aircelle who have contributed to our company’s success, and to thank the customers for their confidence in us.
Nexcelle is in very good hands with Huntley Myrie, who will continue the blogging tradition on these pages.
