GE and Boeing are starting flight tests of the GEnx-1B PIP II upgrade which, from the third quarter of 2013, will be the production standard for the 787 line. Flight tests of the GEnx-2B PIP for the 747-8 are to begin on GE’s testbed in early 2013. Production of GEnx engines is ramping up, with 200 due for delivery in 2013 and 300 in 2014.

With the supply chain expanding to support commercial-engine production increases, attention will focus in 2013 on changes in second- and third-tier manufacturers. In 2012, GKN Aerospace acquired Volvo Aero in a $1.05 billion deal that makes GKN the No. 3 supplier of engine components, after Avio and MTU. But this balance may shift again now that GE has acquired Avio.