BOEING has named Rolls-Royce and General Electric as the preferred engine suppliers for its proposed 7E7 airliner leaving Pratt & Whitney out in the cold. Over a 20-year lifespan there could be a market of up to 3,500 7E7s. Boeing's board has yet to formally approve a launch of the world”s first true 21st century passenger aircraft, the official announcement expected at Farnborough in July, if not before. GE is seen essential to Boeing with its strong leasing arm whilst the rejuvenated Rolls-Royce is a popular supplier to several key foreign airlines. GE is developing a derivative of its GE90 engines, Rolls-Royce building a new variant of its Trent engine family. The aircraft features engine pylons which can take either the GE or Rolls products, said to be interchangeable.
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