Avfuel FBOs Lakeshore Aviation (MTW) And Smyrna Air Center (MQY) Team Up To Install First Fuel-Efficient GE H80 Engine In King Air C90

The newest addition to the Lakeshore Aviation charter fleet, an impeccably-restored King Air C90, is the first aircraft in the world to feature fuel-efficient GE H80 800 HP engines- and it’s already being seen as a potential game-changer. “This is GE’s first engine for being used on business turboprop aircraft, and the improvements it brings to the turboprop flying experience are incredible,” said Curt Drumm, Lakeshore Aviation President and a commercial/instrument-rated pilot who also serves as the organization’s charter captain. “We’re seeing faster speeds yet we’re burning less fuel. The extended service life of 3,600 flight hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls will result in a significant reduction in maintenance costs.”

GE Aviation entered the turboprop arena with the acquisition of the Czech Republic-based Walters Company. The H80 combines the elegant, robust design of the Walters’ M601 engine with GE's 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials for a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. “The engine the H80 evolved from has a history of over 17 million flight hours,” said Drumm. “They are rugged with a proven track record and perfect for providing reliable transportation.” GE Aviation Sales Director Greg Ryan added, “Having flown King Airs for years, I’m excited to see this program take off.”

To install the engines on the King Air C90, Drumm and Lakeshore Aviation partnered with another Avfuel-branded FBO, Smyrna Air Center. Located on a former military base just south of Nashville, Smyrna Air Center boasts a 50,000 square foot maintenance and avionics facility. “I can’t say enough about the dedication of the Smyrna Air Center team, and particularly [Smyrna Air Center Business Development Director] Dan Sigl,” Drumm said. “Smyrna has a very knowledgeable, dedicated staff. Their commitment to this effort and the care that when into this project are remarkable.” Going forward, Smyrna Air Center will offer engine upgrades for current King Air operators as well as completely restored aircraft such as Lakeshore’s C90. “We can offer you a completely rebuilt King Air with the new engines at a fraction of the price of a new aircraft,” said Sigl.

While Lakeshore Aviation has amped up its overall charter operations in recent years, expanding from one airplane to three, including a Piper Seneca and Cessna 340A twin-engine business class aircraft, it’s clear that Drumm sees the King Air C90 and its revolutionary engines as the star of the show. “There’s literally no downside,” he said. “You get to your destination faster. You reduce your fuel costs. It’s quieter for the passengers.” And that isn’t even the best part: “Pilots love it because it’s just fun to fly,” he said.