Aircraft

Adoption by China of Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G PurePower geared turbofan (GTF) engine for its planned C919 narrowbody would further validate Bombardier's selection of the powerplant for its 110/130-seat CSeries, a top Bombardier official says.

Speaking to journalists late last week in New York, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Gary Scott said Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is focused on offering "above 150 seats so they are taking Airbus and Boeing head on".

"Frankly I'd be delighted if they selected the GTF because it's an endorsement of what we've selected," he added.

Last month Comac unveiled its C919 passenger jet to the international marketplace and revealed more details about the twinjet. The C919 will seat 168 passengers in all-economy class or 156 in a mixed-class configuration.

P&W has initiated discussions with Comac. "We believe that the PW1000G offers a new airplane such as the C919 considerable market value," says the engine maker.