Qatar Airways has partnered with GE Aviation following a three-year trial of the GE360 foam wash system.

The airline’s technical department is the first in the industry to be awarded the enhanced engine cleaning technology, which replaces the traditional water wash method in order to improve engine performance, fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance frequency on GE engine models.

The GE360 foam wash system works by injecting a heated detergent solution, specially-formulated to dissolve dust and dirt particles from the engine gas path.

Unlike traditional water wash systems the GE360 Foam Wash is a self-contained system, the company says, which allows it to be used inside maintenance facilities and is also friendly to the environment.

Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker commented: “Qatar Airways prides itself on our ongoing commitment to innovation in all areas of business.

“Our Technical Department is constantly striving to maintain our position as an airline of the future by introducing the most forward-thinking, ground-breaking and environmentally-friendly technology, and our three-year partnership with General Electric for the GE360 Foam Wash is a testament to this.

“Not only will this exciting development in enhanced engine cleaning assist in reducing maintenance, it will also improve engine performance and fuel efficiency, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”