Air France GP7200-Powered A380 Takes First Flight

By: Gregory Polek

February 18, 2009
Engines, Aircraft

The first Air France Airbus A380 powered with Engine Alliance GP7200 engines successfully completed a four-hour inaugural test flight from Airbus’s Toulouse, France manufacturing site last Thursday, the company announced today. On Monday, the aircraft flew to Airbus’s Hamburg, Germany facilities for paint and interior completions work. Airbus has scheduled the A380 for delivery to Air France in October.

Holding a firm order for 12 Engine Alliance-powered A380s, Air France is the second customer for the joint venture company of GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney. Engine Alliance’s first GP7200 engines entered service with Emirates Airline last August.

“This first flight represents another milestone in the GP7200 program,” Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. “We're ready for our entry into service with Air France this year, and we couldn't be more excited about working with them.”
Derived from the GE90 and PW4000, the Engine Alliance GP7200 consists of a GE-built core and Pratt & Whitney fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Pratt & Whitney conducts final assembly at its facility in Middletown, Conn.

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