Why Did No Airlines Order 777-300s with GE90 Engines?
The Boeing 777-300 and the GE90: A Deeper Dive
The Boeing 777-300 is a high-capacity widebody airplane designed to compete with the Airbus A340. It entered commercial service in 1995, offering airlines a powerful 4 engines option with the Pratt Whitney (PW) and Rolls-Royce (RR) engines.
On the other hand, the General Electric (GE) developed the GE90, a high-bypass turbofan engine specifically designed for the Boeing 777. This engine provided unmatched power and efficiency to the 777 family, setting performance standards and fuel economy benchmarks. However, the 777-300 with the GE90 was not an option due to certain limitations. Let's explore the reasons behind this decision.
Why the GE90 Was Not Offered on the 777-300
The GE90 was never offered on the 777-300 because it was never certified to be used on the non-expanded range (non-ER) variant of the 777. Therefore, airlines could not order it as it wasn't available as an option. This certification process is critical because it ensures the safety, performance, and efficiency of the aircraft upon delivery.
Another significant factor was the careful considerations made by General Electric. They did not just offer the existing 115,000-pound thrust GE90-115B engines on the 777-300. Instead, they studied the feasibility of downrating the 115K thrust GE90 engines to approximately 95K thrust levels. This was done to compete with the Pratt Whitney (PW) and Rolls-Royce (RR) engines that were being used on the non-expanded range 777-300s. However, these studies concluded that such a downrating would not be feasible without compromising the performance and safety standards of the aircraft.
Understanding the Impact of Certification and Feasibility Studies
The certification process for aircraft engines is highly regulated and rigorous. General Electric could not bring the GE90 to market for the 777-300 without undergoing extensive testing and gaining FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification. This process would require significant investment and time, making it economically unfeasible given the market dynamics of the time.
Furthermore, the feasibility studies conducted by GE focused on finding a middle ground between performance and safety. The objective was to ensure that any modifications to the GE90 would not only meet the market needs but also maintain robust safety standards. These studies highlighted the challenges in downrating the GE90 while still offering competitive performance to the PW and RR engines, which were well-established in the market.
Market Dynamics and Legacy Models
The legacy models of the Boeing 777, such as the 777-300, were already equipped with strong engine options in the form of the PW 4062 and RR Trent 556. Airlines were initially drawn to these engines due to their reliability and proven track record. By the time the GE90 was developed, the market had already been market by these established options. This natural inertia and customer trust made it difficult for GE to introduce a new engine on the existing non-ER 777-300.
Moreover, the 777-300 was intended as an expansion of the 777 family with extended range capabilities (ER mode). This model offered superior range and payload capacity, making it a more attractive proposition for airlines. The 777-300ER, equipped with the GE90-115B, was thus the preferred choice for airlines looking for a robust and reliable option with the extended range required to serve global markets.
Conclusion
In summary, the Boeing 777-300, without the GE90 engine, was not offered due to certification and feasibility constraints. The GE90 was never developed for this specific application. However, the downrating of the GE90 to 95K thrust levels was studied, but the challenges posed by maintaining safety standards and performance made this approach impractical.
Understanding the technical and market factors that influenced these decisions provides valuable insights into the development and market dynamics of commercial aircraft. The Boeing 777 and its various variants continue to be a significant player in the aviation industry, serving millions of passengers each year with reliable and efficient service.