The first GP7200-powered Airbus A380 will enter service with Emirates on August 1, operating from Dubai to New York. The aircraft, which will be delivered to the Middle East carrier on July 28, is the first of 58 on order from Emirates, making it the world’s largest customer for the A380 superjumbo.
The milestone will mark the first Engine Alliance-powered aircraft to enter revenue service since the 50:50 partnership between GE and P&W was formed in 1996 to design and build the GP7200 engine for the A380. The GP7200-powered A380 received EASA and FAA type certification in December 2007.
"We are delighted that the world’s largest A380 fleet will be powered by the GP7200 engine,” says Engine Alliance’s new president Jim Moravecek. In addition to Emirates, the GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and ILFC.
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“This delivery marks an important milestone for Emirates, Airbus, and the Engine Alliance,” says Ed Bendernagel, EA’s director, product support. “This represents the culmination of years of planning and preparation by all three companies and we are ready to begin the operational phase of the GP7200 programme.”
The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programmes, the GE90 and the PW4000, and this technology helps to ensure that the EA-powered A380, like its Rolls-Royce Trent powered sister, meets both Stage 4 noise regulations and London’s QC2 departure noise rules, while its environmental emissions are also well below current and anticipated regulations.
Source: Flight International
