Special Delivery

A tradition once existed where some airlines would exclusively have their fleet powered by one engine manufacturer.

One only look at British Airways as a classic example, using Rolls-Royce engines across its widebody fleet.

Its Lockheed L1011 Tristar’s, 747-100, -200, -400’s, 757’s and 767’s have all adorned the silver “RR” logo under their wings.

It wasn’t until the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 777-200 that the airline had switched to using General Electric GE90 engines.

GE90-powered Boeing 777-200ER seen outside Ascentis, London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL)

Image copyrighted and owned by BOEING777 and FleetBuzz.com

So it’s no longer a surprise that airlines once loyal to one engine maker would ever stay the course. (Although the recent BA order reverting back to RR engines is certainly a debate in itself!)

One of the biggest names in the industry, Cathay Pacific shows that even it could not resist the charm of the GE90 powered Boeing 777-300ER. Just over 18 months after placing an order for the model in December 2005, Cathay Pacific this week took delivery of its first 777-300ER.

Image courtesy of Cathay Pacific

In an age where engine reliability, economics and efficiency have become order of the day, reducing costs is of vital importance to airlines. The switch from a predominantly Rolls-Royce powered widebody fleet at Cathay Pacific points to critical decision making aimed at further reducing fuel bills, maintenance, inventory costs, while keeping more planes in the air more of the time with more passengers, increased range and more revenue payload.

The 777-300ER has proven to be more than just the biggest twin engine, twin aisle airplane. It’s proven that it can break into a variety of airlines whose fleets may not contain either the model or engine type. The same rings true for the record breaking Boeing 787.

Image courtesy of Cathay Pacific

As with Cathay Pacific changing its mind about the 777-300ER and its unique GE90 powerplant, perhaps we’ll see the Hong Kong based carrier announce a 787 order sometime soon?

With so many airlines already having ordered the Dreamliner, just how long will it be before Cathay and others follow suit?

One thing is for certain, from the first to the last, every delivery of any airplane to an airline is always going to be a special one.

2 comments October 6th, 2007