British Airways is considering buying 20 more Boeing 777s in a $2 billion deal that could see it switch engine suppliers.
The carrier selected the General Electric GE90 engine for its current fleet of 777-200s, having rejected an offer from traditional supplier Rolls-Royce, but it is now seeking bids from alternative suppliers for the new purchase.
BA's current 777 fleet numbers 18 aircraft. A further 11 are on order and option, and the airline is contractually obliged to take these aircraft with the GE90, but is free to switch to another supplier on any additional aircraft.
The airline, which is also about to announce the winner of a massive narrowbody order, declined to comment on its 777 plans.
The carrier is looking to enlarge its 777 fleet to up to 50 aircraft as part of a strategy to replace the Boeing 747-400 on its thinner, long-haul routes to points in South America and southern Africa. The move would require the heaviest with a maximum take-off weight version of the 777-200ER - 297,800kg (656,000lb) - and a relatively high thrust engine.
GE is offering an improved version of its GE90-92B, while R-R has its Trent 895 and Trent 8104. Pratt & Whitney is proposing a derated version of its PW4098.
According to US industry sources, Boeing will meet BA this month to discuss the order, and the proposal will be reviewed at the airline's monthly board meeting in August. An engine selection is due in October, with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2001.
If the airline does choose to switch engine manufacturer, this raises the possibility of the in-service fleet being re-engined, although this is thought unlikely.
Europe's largest carrier is looking to boost its twinjet fleet at the expense of 747-400s it has on order. BA has firm orders for 14 additional R-R RB211-powered 747-400s, but is looking to swap some of these for 777s. This could involve a delivery positions exchange deal with Cathay Pacific.
Source: Flight International
