Pioneering New Horizons: GE Aerospace's Strategic Growth and Workforce Harmony
Advancing Unmanned Systems: A Partnership with Kratos Defense
In a forward-looking initiative, GE Aerospace's Edison Works division formalized an alliance with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. This collaboration aims to innovate turbofan propulsion systems specifically designed for unmanned aircraft. The development includes the GEK800 engine, an 800-pound thrust model currently in its fifth iteration, slated for comprehensive testing next year. A more powerful 1,500-pound thrust variant, the GEK1500, is expected to demonstrate its capabilities by 2026, marking a significant step in autonomous aerial vehicle technology.
Fostering Workforce Stability: A New Chapter with IAM Union
GE Aerospace demonstrated its commitment to its employees by successfully negotiating a new five-year labor contract with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union. The agreement, which covers approximately 550 workers primarily based in Evendale, Ohio, was ratified on August 20, 2025, and will remain effective until August 18, 2030. Christian Meisner, GE Aerospace’s Chief Human Resources Officer, highlighted the mutual benefits of the contract, emphasizing that it secures competitive compensation for employees while acknowledging their vital contributions to both commercial and military clients. This successful negotiation underscores a collaborative spirit between the company and its unionized workforce.
Innovating Semiconductor Technology: Collaboration with Axcelis Technologies
Further expanding its technological footprint, GE Aerospace entered a joint development program with Axcelis Technologies on August 20. This partnership is focused on creating advanced 6.5 to 10kV superjunction power devices. Utilizing Axcelis's state-of-the-art Purion XEmax high-energy implanter, which boasts exceptional beam currents and an extensive energy range, this project is pivotal. These cutting-edge silicon carbide devices are engineered to operate at higher voltages, temperatures, and frequencies than traditional silicon counterparts, providing critical support for next-generation defense systems and pivotal applications in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, and enhancing grid resilience.