When an Aircraft is Ordered, How are 
Engines Chosen?

Many are surprised to hear that aircraft engines are not built by the aircraft manufacturer. In fact, the same engine can be found on some Airbus and rival Boeing aircraft. The Boeing 777, for instance, came with the option of three engine makers. Air Canada opted for the world’s most powerful: the GE90 by General Electric. Airlines often select the same engines across the fleet to reduce costs and improve maintenance efficiency but engine performance, fuel efficiency and routing are also considered when choosing an engine.

June 28, 2012
Portrait of Air Canada's Captain Doug Morris
Photo: Reynard Li

Doug Morris is an author, meteorologist, instructor and Air Canada captain on the Boeing 787.