Boeing conducts 787 GEnX engine runs

The Boeing Co. has completed the first engine start of a 787 jet to powered with General Electric’s GEnX engines, the company said today.

Customers can order Boeing’s 787 with either GE or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The first four 787s in Boeing’s test fleet use the Rolls-Royce engines. Boeing performed engine runs on the fifth 787, equipped with GE engines, on Monday.

“Our partners at GE have worked diligently to ensure their engines are ready for the testing that is going to occur both before first flight of ZA005 and throughout the flight test program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president of the 787 program.

Video of the engine run is available at Boeing’s Web site.

Following engine testing, the fifth 787, will undergo a series of ground tests similar to those conducted on the first 787s to ensure that it is ready for first flight later this quarter.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to Japan’s All Nippon Airways later this year.