Airbus A380 finds its bearings

has recently been chosen as the sole supplier of all jet engine bearings and components for the new

‘

900’ engine, which will power the

A380 from 2006.

The contract with Rolls-Royce is a long-term supply agreement and is scheduled to begin in 2005 with the engine’s serial production. The contract will be worth €20 million in the first five years of serial delivery.

“It is extremely exciting to be involved in the Airbus A380 project, which is destined to make history as the world’s largest airliner,” said Robert Globe, sales director, INA FAG.

INA FAG will also supply the second engine concept for the Airbus A380. The GP7000, which has been developed by Pratt & Whitney and General Electric, will include main shaft bearings from INA FAG, which are currently being developed by FAG Aerospace in Canada.

The Airbus A380 will be the world’s first twin-deck and four-aisle airliner. Each aircraft will have four engines, generating a thrust of 70,000lb, with the slightly modified freight version generating a thrust of 77,000lb.