Gulf Air becomes launch client for IAE engine

Gulf Air has selected International Aero Engines AG to power six A321 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for IAE's new V2500 SelectTwo engine, the company said. The value of the contract is around $180 million (Dh661 million). The extended-range Airbus platforms will be delivered in 2012, marking Gulf Air's initial application of V2500 engines into its fleet. "The competitive fleet hourly offering from IAE and fuel burn advantage were key characteristics that assured us that the V2500 was the right engine for us," Samer Majali, Gulf Air chief executive officer, said. The qualities brought by SelectTwo will enable the airline to focus more easily on developing a profitable regional route structure and optimise its network, he said. IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.