Dreamliner Engine Receives Key FAA Approval

Seattle Post Intelligencer: The engines for the first Boeing 787s to be delivered are now certified for extended flights far from airports, engine maker Rolls-Royce announced Monday.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration granted ETOPS certification for jets with two Trent 1000 engines to fly 330 minutes from the nearest airport, allowing long-range ocean and polar routes. This marks an important milestone toward delivery of the first 787 to launch customer All Nippon Airways, scheduled for the third quarter, although Boeing must still get its own ETOPS certification for hte 787.

“We have produced the quietest and lightest engine for the aircraft, with the lowest fuel burn over the lifetime of an engine, contributing to the 787’s target of delivering 20 per cent less CO2 than previous generation aircraft,” Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Program Director Simon Carlisle said in a news release. “We now look forward to supporting Boeing’s own ETOPS program and to powering the 787 Dreamliner’s entry into service with All Nippon Airways.”

Rolls-Royce noted that it has delivered the Trent 1000 engines for the first 787 set to be delivered. Boeing also offers GEnx engines on the 787. Japan Airlines is the launch customer for the GEnx 787.