Aerospace |
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The new 777s will be powered by PW4090 engines, initially rated at 77,000 pounds of thrust. The engine can operate at thrust levels up to 90,000 pounds and can power all three current versions of the 777; the 777-200, 777-200 increased gross weight and 777-300, which will allow for Air China a common engine configuration for whichever models of the 777 it chooses. Yin Wen Long, president and chairman of Air China, said, "Air China's customers demand the very best in reliability and service. We demand the same performance from our engine suppliers. Air China is confident in Pratt's ability to meet our expectations, particularly at the high thrust levels required for successful 777 aircraft operations. We look forward to continuing a long and strong relationship with Pratt & Whitney." The PW4000 engine family is the only one in commercial aviation with models that can power all high-thrust wide-bodies built by Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas. |
Last week, Air China selected Pratt & Whitney's PW4000
engine family to power five Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline will purchase
10 installed and three spare engines for the five aircraft. Deliveries will
begin in October 1998. The value of the engine sale is about $170 million.
Karl J. Krapek,
Pratt & Whitney president, said, "We deeply appreciate Air China's
continued confidence in our people and our products by once again selecting
the PW4000 family to power the newest addition to its wide-body aircraft
fleet. Pratt & Whitney has been meeting the needs of commercial aviation
in China for more than 30 years now. And our joint venture manufacturing
plants in Chengdu and Xian broaden our commitment to this rapidly growing
market."