International Aero Engines (IAE) is talking with Airbus and Boeing about a prospective powerplant for a next-generation 150-seat airliner to follow on from the A320 and 737 families. “The timing is not clear, but our technology programs suggest that a new design must represent a step change from current engines,” said president Mark King. IAE comprises Japanese Aero Engines, MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce.

In considering a future 150-seater, IAE must “look at all architecture options, which may be different from current narrowbody engines–whether for service entry in 2012 or 2014.” King said IAE’s objective was to power both airframers’ future entries in this market.