British Aerospace (BAe) Regional Aircraft has selected the all-new AlliedSignal AS907 turbofan to power the upgraded Avro RJ-X regional jet it is studying, rejecting Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW308. An announcement was expected on 16 February.
The UK manufacturer is thought to being planning to launch the RJ-X programme at the Paris air show in June. The four-engined type is the first airline application for the AS907, although the engine has also been selected for the Bombardier Continental business jet. The new aircraft is expected to be in service during 2001.
The re-engining, coupled with aerodynamic improvements, is expected to cut fuel consumption by 15% compared with the 70/110-seat Avro RJ family.
Source: Flight International
