Engine Alliance received FAR 33 certification from US FAA for its GP7200, designed for the A380.

The 21-month test program involved eight engines. The GP7200 ran approximately 7,000 cycles, 25 full-scale certification tests and more than 50 component tests. It powered two flight test programs on a flying testbed and initially is certified at 76,500 lb. thrust. It was tested at levels in excess of 94,000 lb. Engine Alliance President Bruce Hughes said the engine was tested and certified to ETOPS standards.

The first A380 test flight will take place this year. The company said the GP7200 has garnered 55% of announced firm orders including commitments from Emirates, Air France, FedEx, Korean Air and ILFC.