CFM International is in talks with Boeing potentially to supply engines for the latter's as-yet unlaunched middle-of-the-market (MoM) development, but will not propose a version of its Leap powerplant for any such application.
Philippe Petitcolin, chief executive of Safran – a partner in CFM with GE Aviation – confirmed, on a first-quarter results call, that it was "in discussions" with the airframer about the MoM project.
According to data supplied by Boeing, the potential aircraft would require an engine of 40,000-50,000lb-thrust (178-222kN), says Petitcolin.
Although that falls within the scope of the CFM joint venture – which covers engines from 18,000-50,000lb-thrust – Petitcolin stresses that it will not offer a new variant of the Leap which already powers the 737 Max.
"It will not be a Leap, it will be a different engine," says Petitcolin. "The Leap does not have the thrust required for such a power [class]."
The most powerful variant of the Leap produced to date, a -1A for the Airbus A321neo, is rated at 31,160lb thrust.
So far, detail on Boeing's MoM proposals has been scarce, but indications are that it will be a family of two widebody aircraft, able to accommodate up to about 220 passengers and fly between 4,500-6,000nm (8,330-11,100km).
CFM is likely to face competition from Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce to power the new aircraft.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
