The UPS engine selection follows its 10 firm Airbus A380 aircraft orders. UPS also has options on 10 additional A380 aircraft. The value of the order was not disclosed. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2009.
"UPS demands the best," said Bruce Hughes, president of the Engine Alliance. "We're delighted the GP7200 is powering the UPS fleet and look forward to working with UPS to ensure a smooth entry into service."
"The GP7200-powered A380s will play a critical role in our air network for years to come," said Bob Lekites, Vice President of Airline Operations at UPS. "We're counting on our GP7200-powered A380s to help UPS provide world class service to our global customers."
The GP7200 is derived from two of the most successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It incorporates the latest proven technologies and its customers benefit from more than 13 million hours of safe operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds of thrust.
The GP7200 engine has been selected for 59 percent of the A380 aircraft ordered with the engines specified and is the engine of choice among all A380 freighter operators. In addition to UPS, Air France, Emirates, FedEx, International Lease Finance Corporation and Korean Air have selected the GP7200 engine for their A380 fleets, resulting in firm orders for more than 360 engines valued at nearly $5 billion.
The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).