POWERING AHEAD.

The article reports that major engine manufacturers are revving up their research efforts in a bid to achieve significant performance improvements as they anticipate demand for a new generation of 100-200-seat jets early in the next decade. Pratt and Whitney Corp., now a partner in the International Aero Engines (IAE) alliance that competes for the Airbus line, held sole-source status for the first generation of Boeing's 737, but switched its focus to larger aircraft when Boeing introduced the second-generation 737-300 family, making way for the CFM International partnership of General Electric and Snecma to gain a sole-source status with its CFM56 series. Pratt and Whitney President Louis R. Chenevert vows to take no chances this time, insisting that Pratt will supply any 737/A320 replacement as part of its International Aero Engines partnership with Rolls-Royce, MTU and Japanese Aero Engines Corp. or by itself.