Pratt & Whitney (P&W) seems set to win the battle to power the four Boeing 777-200ERs recently ordered by Vietnam Airlines. Industry sources say the carrier's internal evaluation has come out in favour of P&W, but the final decision rests with the board in Hanoi, which is expected to approve the plan in the next few days.
The Rolls-Royce Trent 800 and General Electric's GE90 have also been in the bidding for the 85,000lb- (378kN) thrust engines for use on regional routes. The airline is understood to be negotiating to take up to four more P&W- powered 777s on lease from International Lease Finance before the aircraft are delivered directly from Boeing in September. Vietnam Airlines is also aiming to conclude an order with Airbus for five A321 narrowbodies before March.
Source: Flight International
