Toulouse, France - Airbus is reportedly in talks with the American manufacturer General Electric for a new engine option for its A330neo aircraft.
A potential deal between the European planemaker and the American engine manufacturer could pose a threat to Rolls-Royce. The British manufacturer is currently the sole engine provider for the Airbus' new-generation wide-body aircraft.
According to unnamed sources who spoke to Bloomberg news agency, a GE turbine could offer more fuel savings and lower operating costs. According to the same sources, the negotiations between the two companies are preliminary and no final decision has been made yet. If it happens, GE’s GEnx engine is considered as an option. This engine also powers Boeing's Dreamliners. The development of commercial jet engines costs billions and manufacturers target to broaden the use of their turbines across multiple aircraft types.
Airbus said that it is currently happy with the performance of A330’s Rolls-Royce Trent engines. The company also said that it is always in talks with engine manufacturers about new technologies to discover ways to benefit its customers.