Andrew Doyle/TOULOUSE
Airbus Industrie is railing against proposals by the US Federal Aviation Administration to raise extended-range twin-engined operations (ETOPs) limits by 15% to 207min, claiming that "significant technical and operational matters remain to be resolved".
The consortium denies that its opposition to the further relaxation of ETOPS restrictions is linked to its attempts to sell four-engined A340s to transpacific operators, and deals a further setback to Boeing's efforts to launch ultra-long range versions of its 777 twinjet. The Airbus A330 twinjet, like the 777, has been approved for 180min ETOPS.
"We don't like ETOPS by stealth," says Airbus general manager marketing development and training Paul Clark. "What we would like to see is a full and open regulatory debate before we extend ETOPS beyond 180min," he adds.
The FAA recently published a policy document on its proposals, following a request from the USAir Transport Association (ATA) (Flight International, 5-11 May). The ATA is acting on behalf of carriers such as American Airlines, Delta and Continental that operate or plan to operate 777-200ERs across the north Pacific, but which face operational restrictions under the 180min ETOPS limit.
Airbus argues that not enough research has been carried out into the implications of an extension, particularly with regard to the increased amount of time a twin may have to fly on one engine at relatively low altitudes in the event of a failure. Airbus also has concerns about the extreme operational environments likely at some of the critical diversion airfields.
Source: Flight International
