Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has again postponed a decision on purchase of a new ultra long haul aircraft. The airline wants more time to evaluate a Pratt & Whitney PW4000-powered Boeing 777-200X engine/airframe proposal.
US carrier Tower Air, meanwhile, looks likely to be the next airline to order the Boeing twinjet.
SIA is understood to have postponed its selection for at least another four weeks. Rival airframe manufacturers Airbus Industrie and Boeing had been hoping for a decision shortly after the submission of new bids for the A340-500 and 777-200X, respectively, in late February (Flight International, 18-24 February)
The new development follows P&W's recent signature of a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to offer a 454kN (102,000lb)-thrust growth version of the PW4000 to power the proposed 777-200X and stretched -300X. The US engine manufacturer confirms that it has submitted a formal offer to SIA for evaluation.
P&W's agreement with Boeing opens up competition with Rolls-Royce to power the new 777 variants. It is likely to again stimulate interest from existing operators of PW4000 powered 777-200s, such as Korean Air, in the proposed extended range and higher gross weight stretch derivatives.
R-R has already proposed to SIA the Trent 8104 engine flat-rated to 454kN. SIA, together with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, has already ordered the smaller Trent 800-powered 777-200/300. Collectively they are considered to be the most likely launch customers for the -200X/300X.
General Electric has not submitted a 777-200X powerplant bid to SIA. The Cincinatti-based manufacturer is continuing to refrain from committing to a growth version of the GE90 beyond 418kN, arguing that there is not yet a strong enough business case for such a development.
Industry attention in the meantime is focused on Tower Air's search for a replacement for its fleet of Boeing 747-100s. The airline initially requires around four aircraft, plus a similar number of options, and is believed to be considering a mixed purchase and lease of 777s.
Source: Flight International
