Which Engines Does The Airbus A380 Use?

Which engines power the Airbus A380 remains a defining detail of the aircraft’s engineering legacy. The Engine Alliance GP7200, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and General Electric, has long served as a primary powerplant for the superjumbo. In July 2024, Engine Alliance appointed Gaston Persano as president, signaling continuity in supporting the A380 fleet. The GP7000 family originated with Boeing for a late, unrealized 747 program and was later repurposed for Airbus. The GP7200 can deliver up to 74,735 lbf of thrust and has a 10.4‑foot (3.16 m) diameter. Production and ground testing began in 2004, FAA certification followed in 2006, and the aircraft entered commercial service in 2007. An updated GP7200 variant appeared in 2011, delivering lighter components and a weight reduction of about 23 kg. The A380’s propulsion landscape also includes Rolls‑Royce’s Trent 900, which proved popular with some operators early on, underscoring competitive dynamics in engine selection. Persano’s leadership and ongoing GP7200 developments reflect Airbus’s strategy to sustain lifecycle value for A380 fleets amid evolving airline needs.