The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted 330-minute extended-range, twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approval to 14 CFR Part 33.201 for the GEnx-1B engine, which will power the Boeing 787 aircraft. The GEnx-1B engine completed all requirements to achieve 330-minute ETOPS, including a demanding 3,000-cycle ground endurance test. The FAA approval confirms the engine has demonstrated the required reliability to conduct ETOPS operations up to 330 minutes flying time from a primary or alternate airport. ETOPS approval provides airlines much greater route-scheduling flexibility as it allows twin-engine aircraft to service routes traditionally reserved for three- and four-engine aircraft.
Additionally, in October, the first GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8 aircraft was delivered to Cargolux. Since that time, five additional GEnx-2B-powered Boeing 747-8 aircraft have been delivered.