Air China Selects V2500 Engines for Airbus Fleet Upgrade

Strategic Insights -

Air China has chosen International Aero Engines' (IAE) V2500 engines to power a new batch of Airbus A320-family aircraft, with deliveries slated to begin in April 2010. The $233 million contract will cover engines for 22 aircraft, including A320s and A321s, and includes a long-term aftermarket agreement. This deal is a significant milestone for Pratt & Whitney, a leading player in IAE and a major participant in the project.

Air China's existing fleet of 12 Airbus A319s already operates the V2500 engine, and the selected engines for the new aircraft are the latest V2500 SelectOne(TM) build standard. This upgrade offers improved fuel efficiency, with a one percent gain in fuel burn advantage and reduced CO2 emissions. The V2500 engine is available in seven different thrust settings, ranging from 22,000 to 33,000 pounds, and is used to power various Airbus models, including the A319, A320, and A321, as well as the Airbus Corporate Jetliner.

The V2500 engine has gained significant traction in Greater China, with approximately 370 units either in service or on order. The V2500 SelectOne upgrade provides extended time on-wing, up to 20 percent, and meets the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards. It entered service in October 2008. IAE, a multinational aero engine consortium, has more than 5,500 V2500 engines in service or on firm order, with over 180 customers worldwide.

The Pratt & Whitney V2500 engine is a testament to the company's expertise in designing, manufacturing, and servicing aircraft engines, space propulsion systems, and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney's parent company, is a diversified corporation serving the global aerospace and building industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Air China has chosen V2500 engines from International Aero Engines to power a new fleet of Airbus A320-family aircraft, with deliveries starting in April 2010.
  • The contract is valued at over $233 million, including a long-term aftermarket agreement with Pratt & Whitney.
  • The V2500 SelectOne engines will provide improved fuel efficiency, with a one percent gain in fuel burn advantage and reduced CO2 emissions.
  • The V2500 engine is used in various Airbus models, including the A319, A320, and A321, and powers over 370 aircraft in Greater China.
  • The V2500 SelectOne upgrade offers extended time on-wing, up to 20 percent, and meets the most stringent CAEP/6 NOx standards.

Statistics:

  • $233 million contract value
  • 22 aircraft to be powered by V2500 engines
  • 370 V2500-powered aircraft in service or on order in Greater China
  • 5,500 V2500 engines in service or on firm order worldwide
  • 180+ customers using V2500 engines globally
  • 20% increased time on-wing with V2500 SelectOne upgrade
  • 1% gain in fuel burn advantage with V2500 SelectOne

Sources:

  • China Weekly News
  • International Aero Engines (IAE)
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • United Technologies Corp.
  • Airbus
  • MTU Aero Engines
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Japanese Aero Engines Corporation