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Korean Air has selected the GP7200 engine supplied by U.S. based Engine Alliance to power its Airbus 380
'Super Jumbo' aircraft.
The deal is for 23 engines and is valued at approximately
US$300 million.
"The partnership with Engine Alliance is part of our corporate strategy of Excellent in Flight," said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. "The technology of
the GP7200 engine will allow us to improve our operational productivity and reduce overall costs."
Delivery of the
Korean Air's first A380 is scheduled for 2007. Each A380 aircraft requires four engines for operations.
Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney. The company was formed in August 1996 to develop, manufacture, sell and
support a family of modern technology engines for new high capacity, long range aircraft.
The GP7200 engine has a takeoff thrust of approximately 70,000 pounds with capability to more than 80,000 pounds, and was developed by combining the strong
features of the existing PW4090 and GE90 engines. The GP7200 engine uses 10 percent less fuel than the current engine used to power the B747-400 and also meets
current Stage 3 and proposed level 4 noise level standards with margin.
Korean Air
is to purchase five A380s with an option for three more. The deliveries will be made between 2007-2009, and operated initially on high traffic routes between Seoul
and the U.S. and Europe.
Korean Air plans to configure the two-story aircraft to seat approximately 500 seats in three classes.
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