Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
ASIANA AIRLINES of South Korea has postponed until the middle of September final selection of engines for its planned new fleet of up to 58 Airbus Industrie A330s, Boeing 777s, 747-400s and 767-300s.
The decision has been delayed to give the carrier more time to evaluate the engines and commercial packages, which are being offered by General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. All three manufacturers are now expected to submit their final proposals in August.
A decision had originally been expected by late July, but internal airline delays in completing reviews and senior management commitments overseas has made this target impossible to meet.
With delivery of the first 767 not scheduled until 1998, and the bulk of 777 and A330s not coming until after 1999 and 2000, an immediate decision is not needed (see table). Asiana, however, is holding off on any final announcement of its wide-body-aircraft deal, along with an earlier order for 18 International Aero Engines V2500-powered A321s, until the engines have been selected. Both purchases, totalling 76 orders and options, are also still subject to South Korean Government approval.
The three rival engine suppliers were issued with a revised request for proposals (RFP) shortly after Asiana signed its two memoranda of understanding with Airbus and Boeing. The new RFP was needed because of the smaller-than-expected number of 767 and 747s being ordered (Flight International, 3-9 July, P4). Asiana has asked the three companies to submit bids for all four different types of wide-body aircraft. With the airline already operating a fleet of GE CF6-80-powered 767 and 747s, the real battle will be to win the A330 and 777 competition, with a divided order not being ruled out, according to sources.
GE is also offering the CF6-80 for the A330-200/300, stressing commonality with Asiana's other aircraft, and the GE90 for the 777-200/300. P&W and R-R are proposing different members of their respective PW4000 and Trent 700/800 families for all four 330 and 777 versions.
Source: Flight International
