Emirates confirms order for GP7000 engines to power Airbus A380s

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed earlier this year at Singapore Air Show for the engine order, which has a list price, including options, of approximately US$1.5 billion (Dhs5.5 billion).

Emirates is the main launch customer of the A380 double-decker, with 22 on firm order and 10 options. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered by September 2006.

Emirates' Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, signed the General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Lloyd B. Thompson, President of the GE-P&W Engine Alliance, on Wednesday 5th June 2002 in Dubai.

Present at the signing was HE Richard G. Olson, the US Consul General.

Attending from Emirates' senior management were Tim Clark, Chief Director (Airline); Gary Chapman, Chief Director Support & Development; Chris Walsh, Group Legal Director; and Adel Al Redha, Head of Emirates' Engineering. Also present was Jerry R. Baker, Vice-President Sales, Japan & Middle East, GE-P&W Engine Alliance.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "We are pleased to be one of the first customers for the GE-P&W Engine Alliance and to be involved throughout with the design of its new GP7000 engines, which will give us a great opportunity to share our airline experience with our new partners."

Emirates' order is for GP7270 engines, rated at 70,000 pounds (311 kN) of thrust, to power its 20 passenger versions of the A380-800 aircraft and GP7277 engines, rated at 76,500 (340 kN) pounds of thrust, to power the two freighters included in the aircraft order.

Mr Thompson said: "The GE-P&W Engine Alliance, along with its parent companies, GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney, look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Emirates."