FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW -- The first GP7200-powered Airbus A380 will enter service with Emirates on August 1 operating from Dubai (DXB) to New York (JFK). The aircraft, which will be delivered to the Middle East carrier on July 28, is the first of 58 on order from Emirates making them the world's largest operator of the A380 super jumbo jet. The milestone will mark the first Engine Alliance-powered aircraft to enter revenue service since the partnership was formed in 1996 to design and manufacture the GP7200 engine for the A380.
"We are delighted that the world's largest A380 fleet will be powered by the GP7200 engine," Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. "The GP7200 is the most fuel efficient, quietest engine for the A380. We are excited to deliver this value to our customers beginning with this first GP7200-powered aircraft for Emirates."
The GP7200-powered A380 received type certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2007. In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and the International Lease Finance Company. The Engine Alliance is currently in active sales campaigns around the world with potential customers. The Engine Alliance has been working closely with Emirates and Airbus to ensure a smooth entry into service for the first GP7200-power aircraft.
"This delivery marks an important milestone for Emirates, Airbus, and the Engine Alliance," said Ed Bendernagel, director, Product Support for the Engine Alliance. "This represents the culmination of years of planning and preparation by all three companies and we are ready. We're excited to begin the operational phase of the GP7200 program and we're ready to provide world class support to Emirates and our other customers."
The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. The engine benefits from the two programs' latest proven technologies and incorporates lessons learned from more than 18.8 million flight hours of safe operation on both engines. The GP7200 will ensure the A380 meets stringent Stage 4 noise regulations and London's QC2 departure noise rules. The engine's environmental emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.
The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core in Durham, NC, and P&W manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at P&W's Engine Center in Middletown, CT.
The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric Aviation (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).