General Electric says it is "perfectly content" with the existing and prospective revenue-sharing participants (RSPs) for the GEnx next-generation engine for Boeing's 7E7, despite Snecma's surprising decision not to join the programme.

The company is close to finalising details of RSP arrangements with Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries through the Japanese Aero Engines (JAEC) consortium, and with Italy's Avio, which collectively represent a share of roughly 27% (Flight International, 31 August). General Electric ultimately plans to have RSPs involved in a total of 35% of the programme, and says "discussions" are under way with Volvo Aero of Sweden, a long-term GE partner and developer of the RM12 licence-built version of the F404 combat engine.

GE also says the French manufacturer will be heavily involved as a supplier in the GEnx. "It will be involved, no matter what," it says, pointing out that Snecma's Texas-based composite fan blade assembly site will be used to provide parts for the GEnx programme. Snecma originally planned to be an RSP, saying in its 2003 annual report that the "GEnx will mark a new step forward in the strategic partnership between the two engine makers in 2004".

Since then Snecma has stepped up its involvement in other programmes, not least the acceleration of the SM146 with NPO Saturn for the Russian Regional Jet and its 10% share of the GE/Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance GP7200.

GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES

 

Source: Flight International