US Airways is holding discussions with Airbus to supply its input to the airframer for the potential re-engining of the Airbus A320, says carrier President Scott Kirby.
Addressing the MRO Americas conference on 20 April, Kirby says although the carrier is having technical discussions with Airbus about re-engining, the carrier is essentially "agnostic" about how the airframers reach greater narrowbody efficiency.
Kirby acknowledges the "two differing opinions" in the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan and CFM Leap X that could potentially power A320s and Boeing 737s.
He believes the geared turbofan remains somewhat of an unknown quantity, and poses the question, "Will it be so sophisticated that it is difficult to maintain?"
But he also believes the Bombardier CSeries powered by the geared turbofan has supplied Boeing and Airbus incentive to move quickly to offer customers improved efficiency in narrowbody aircraft.
"I'm glad to see some competition in this space," says Kirby.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
