Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA) has announced $400 million worth of orders for V2500 and growth PW4090 engines to power its new fleet of Airbus A321-100s and Boeing 777-300s.
The Japanese carrier has selected the International Aero Engines 135kN (30,000lb)-thrust V2530-A5 for its A321s. In February 1995, ANA ordered ten of the 200-seat aircraft for delivery from January 1998 and holds options on a further eight.
ANA's decision to switch to IAE represents a major setback for CFM International, which was hoping to consolidate its position with the airline with the CFM56-5B. The -5-A1 version of the engine already powers the carrier's fleet of 22 smaller A320s.
According to an airline statement, the V2530-A5 "...performed better in terms of fuel efficiency and low noise level". ANA adds that the IAE engine was less likely to cause restrictions at airports with short runways.
Japan's trade ministry is also known to have applied pressure to ANA to select the V2530-A5 over the CFM56-5B. The ministry funded Japanese Aero Engines' 23% stake in the V2500 programme and is keen to see the engine in wider domestic use.
ANA's selection of the Pratt & Whitney 400kN PW4090 engine for the stretch 777-300 was widely anticipated. ANA had previously ordered the lower-thrust PW4078 engine for its fleet of 18 777-200s, the first of which has just entered service.
This latest $280 million engine deal covers ten 777-300s ordered in June 1995 and scheduled for delivery from June 1998. P&W now claims a 43% share of the 777 engine market, with firm orders for 87 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
