Aircraft

Flight International online news 10:30GMT: General Electric and Qatar Airways are expected to announce a memorandum of understanding within the next day confirming the selection of the GEnx engine for the 60 A350s covered in the recently signed letter of intent between the Middle East flag-carrier and Airbus.

The MoU, covering business valued at around $1.6 billion, formally marks the launch of the GEnx engine on the A350-800/900. Although not yet confirmed by GE, the deal is believed to specify the GEnx-1A-72 engine for the -800 and the more powerful, 75,000lb thrust class -75 variant for the -900.

The GEnx is an advanced, very high bypass ratio turbofan originally launched to power Boeing’s competing 787. It has also been selected to power the proposed Boeing 747 Advanced.

Further details of the contract are expected to be agreed on, and announced in full, at the upcoming Dubai air show. Qatar announced its plan to acquire a mix of A350-800s and -900s during this year’s Paris airshow and signed a letter of intent on 12 September confirming its commitment to the type.

GUY NORRIS/LONDON