Singapore Airlines (SIA) is expecting to gain approval soon for 180min extended-range, twin-engine operations (ETOPS), enabling it to deploy Boeing 777s on long-haul transpacific flights. Singapore's civil aviation authority has been reluctant to grant approval, which was applied for several months ago. SIA has denied suggestions that in-flight shutdowns involving the aircraft's Rolls-Royce Trent 800 powerplants are the source of the authority's reluctance. SIA already has 120min ETOPS approval and began operating 777s on transpacific flights for the first time this month, between Seoul, South Korea, and Vancouver, Canada, replacing the four-engined Airbus A340-300 on the thrice-weekly services.
Source: Flight International
