The European Commission (EC) has formally approved plans by the General Electric-Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance to offer a powerplant for the Airbus Industrie A3XX, following a review of the tie-up's likely impact on competition.
The decision had been anticipated after the Commission indicated last November that it was considering giving the project the green light. US regulators gave their approval in 1996.
The Alliance is developing the 75,000lb-thrust (334kN) GP7000 powerplant for the European consortium's proposed 555/656-seat ultra-high-capacity A3XX airliner, although the engine could also be offered for growth derivatives of the Boeing 747-400. The GP7000 is due to be certificated in November 2003, and will compete directly against Rolls-Royce's Trent 900.
Flight International recently revealed that, in a separate move, the Commission is collating information on engine exclusivity deals - such as GE's sole-supplier agreement with Boeing for the 777X (Flight International, 1-7 September).
The Commission says that no formal dossier has been opened, but Brussels sources continue to insist that a file exists. Airbus plans to offer airlines a choice of engines for the A3XX.
Source: Flight International
