Pratt & Whitney Canada names Duncan Aviation as Designated Overhaul Facility for Select PW300 and PW500 business aviation engines

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today that Duncan Aviation's facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been appointed a Designated Overhaul Facility for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of PW300 and PW500 turbofan engines that will become operational over the next two years. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

"As our fleet of engines increases, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that we have fully operational MRO capabilities in place when and where our customers need them," said Irene Makris, vice president for Customer Service at Pratt & Whitney Canada. "Duncan Aviation has extensive experience in the line maintenance and hot section inspection of both our PW300 and PW500 engines. Stepping into the official MRO role for these two engine families is the logical extension of our long-standing relationship with their team."

"Our company was founded in 1956 and over the years we have expanded our business to offer a full portfolio of services to the business aviation community," said Jeff Lake, president, Duncan Aviation. "Our Lincoln team is delighted to provide MRO services to Pratt & Whitney Canada engine customers flying PW300 and PW500 engine models."

Pratt & Whitney Canada has an extensive global service network with a comprehensive MRO portfolio for Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. The breadth and depth of the company's expertise and its flexible maintenance programs and solutions give P&WC capabilities and scale to serve customers around the clock virtually anywhere in the world. The P&WC global service network consists of company-owned maintenance and MRO shops, Designated Maintenance Facilities which provide line maintenance and mobile repair team services, Designated Overhaul Facilities which provide MRO services, and Approved Repair Facilities which maintain auxiliary power units. These facilities number more than 50 and are strategically located in 25 countries.

Pratt & Whitney's first GTF engine induction at China Airlines

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced this week that China Airlines has inducted its first Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. China Airlines joined the GTF MRO network in 2020, with its Engineering and Maintenance organization providing disassembly, assembly and test capability for the PW1100G-JM engine, the GTF model that powers Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney and China Airlines Announce First GTF Engine Induction

In 2019, China Airlines selected the GTF engine to power 25 Airbus A321neo aircraft, along with an EngineWise® Maintenance long-term agreement for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The airline currently operates 10 of these aircraft, with up to an additional 15 on order.

"With the induction of our first GTF engine, we continue to build upon our longstanding relationship with Pratt & Whitney," said Jung-Hui Lee, vice president at China Airlines, at the celebratory ceremony at its Taiwan-based facility today. "The GTF engine is one of the industry's most fuel-efficient engines and we're confident that it will pave the way towards a more sustainable future. We look forward to growing our capabilities with today's most advanced technology to be ready to meet the needs of current and future operators, many of them here in Asia."

"We are aggressively pursuing strategic collaborations to grow GTF MRO network capabilities," said Marc Meredith, vice president, GTF Engines Aftermarket at Pratt & Whitney. "Our relationship with China Airlines dates back more than six decades, when they began operating aircraft powered by our Twin Wasp engines."

In 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced three facility expansions and three shop activations across the GTF MRO network, which has more than doubled in size in four years. By 2025, the company expects to have 19 GTF MRO shops online. China Airlines marks the 14th active location and sixth in Asia-Pacific for PW1100G-JM overhaul overhaul, alongside Eagle Services Asia (ESA) in Singapore, IHI and MHI in Japan, and MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Ameco Beijing in China.

RTX selected by Boeing for X-66A NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Project

RTX has been selected by Boeing as a collaborator on the X-66A flight demonstrator, part of NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Two RTX business units, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, will support Boeing with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, and Collins nacelles and engine accessories. Pratt & Whitney and Collins will also support ground and flight tests, slated to start in 2028.

The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is part of NASA's broader Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which is dedicated to developing the technologies needed to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for commercial aviation. Boeing's X-66A program is focused on developing the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) concept, which could enable significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for next generation single-aisle aircraft.

"NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator is a leading example of how public-private partnerships can help foster the technological breakthroughs needed to deliver on the industry-wide goal of a more sustainable, net-zero emissions future," said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president of Engineering & Technology at Pratt & Whitney. "We'll work with Boeing to apply GTF engines to the X-66A and help demonstrate the potential of its pioneering truss-braced wing design."

The GTF engine, with its revolutionary geared fan architecture, delivers industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits for single-aisle aircraft. With up to 20% better fuel efficiency, GTF engines have helped airlines save more than 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and over 14 million metric tons of CO2 emissions since entering service in 2016. GTF engines are certified to operate with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offer up to a 75% reduction in aircraft noise footprint compared to previous generation engines.

Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine receives full funding support from Senate Appropriations Committee

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, continues to receive positive support for various F135-related program items on the path toward finalizing the 2024 appropriations bill. On July 27, the Senate Appropriations Committee, led by Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME), passed a bipartisan bill that included:

Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Core Upgrade work continues to receive Congressional support with the Senate Appropriations Committee passing a bipartisan bill that includes $497 million for the modernization effort as well as additional funds for engine spares and repair parts.

$497 million for the development of the F135 engine core upgrade (ECU), the DoD's chosen F-35 engine modernization effort.

$264 million above the President's budget request for F135 engine spares and repair parts.

A prohibition against integrating any alternate engine on any F-35 variant.

$280 million for the development of future engine technology that could be used on 6th generation tactical aircraft.

"I want to personally thank Senators Tester and Collins for their leadership on this effort, because it's essential to ensuring our limited DoD funds go to the most urgent, high-priority needs," said Jeff Shockey, senior vice president of RTX Global Government Relations. "I also want to express my gratitude to the Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and the entire Connecticut and Maine delegations for their support and advocacy."

Pratt & Whitney celebrate over 400 PT6 E-Series engine family deliveries, surpassing 100,000 flying hours

Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, announced today that it has delivered over 400 PT6 E-Series™ engines, with the fleet now having flown more than 100,000 hours worldwide. Building on the legacy of the iconic PT6 engine family, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the PT6 E-Series has raised the bar on engine performance, control systems, data intelligence and service solutions. The PT6E-67XP powers the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and the PT6E-66XT powers Daher’s TBM 960 – both are single-engine turboprops.

“The PT6 E-Series embodies our commitment to propelling innovation and enhancing our technology to deliver greater value to our customers and support their continued success,” said Nicholas Kanellias, vice president, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “With its optimal combination of precision, performance and efficiency, it offers an elevated flying experience and sets a new standard for general aviation, supported by comprehensive engine maintenance coverage through our premium maintenance plans.”

The PT6 E-Series is the first engine family in the general aviation turboprop market with a dual-channel integrated electronic propeller and engine control system. The digital capabilities of the PT6 E-Series enable single-power lever engine control, leading to a more intuitive pilot experience.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Signs Modification for F117 Engine Sustainment Support Contract for C-17 Globemaster III

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Signs Modification for F117 Engine Sustainment Support Contract for C-17 Globemaster III

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced this week that it has signed a $5.5 billion modification to the previously awarded F117 Engine Sustainment Support contract with the United States Air Force. The contract provides engine services for C-17s operated by the USAF and eight international partners. The sustainment work will be provided between now and the second half of 2027 and will be conducted at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma as well as facilities in San Francisco and Columbus, Georgia.  

Twenty C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, while at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., taxi prior to take-off. (The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)

The modification further supports U.S. Air Force readiness, affordability and sustainability objectives and includes an engine performance improvement package that will eliminate more than 20 shop visits per year thanks to extended time on wing and save the customer approximately $29 million per year in fuel costs. The package will improve the F117 engine's fuel efficiency, saving up to 6.5 million gallons of fuel annually and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 140 million pounds per year. 

Viva Aerobus picks Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines to power 90 more Airbus A321neo Aircraft

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced today that Viva Aerobus has selected GTF engines to power an additional 90 Airbus A321neo firm aircraft orders, the first of which is expected to be delivered in 2027. Having previously ordered 65 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft, the airline has now committed to 155 aircraft with GTF engines. Pratt & Whitney and Viva Aerobus have also extended their EngineWise Maintenance long-term agreement to cover the maintenance needs of the entire GTF-powered fleet.  

Viva Aerobus Selects Pratt & Whitney GTF™ Engines to Power 90 More Airbus A321neo Aircraft

GTF Engines

The Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine, featuring Collins Aerospace nacelle and engine accessories, offers the greatest fuel efficiency and lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family. GTF-powered aircraft reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 16% to 20%, NOx emissions up to 50% and noise footprint up to 75%.* Certified for operation on 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and successfully tested on 100% SAF, GTF engines are ready to enable further reductions in carbon footprint, which will help the aviation industry meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The engine's revolutionary geared fan architecture is the foundation for even more efficient and sustainable propulsion technologies in the decades ahead, with advancements like the Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ engine and beyond. 

"As we continue to grow and renew our fleet, we need the best engine technology, with lower operating costs and fuel efficiency," said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. "At Viva Aerobus our mission is not only to be always safe, always reliable, and always low fares, but to do so in a way that is mindful of the environment. Our commitment to The Future is Green, our environmental culture, has led us down the path of innovation and state of the art technology. This GTF engine agreement with Pratt & Whitney is an important step towards further reducing our environmental footprint."

Viva Aerobus was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. The airline currently operates 31 V2500®-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 43 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft. Viva Aerobus received its first A320neo in 2016 and its first A321neo in 2020.

"We have a long history with Viva Aerobus, starting with their V2500-powered A320ceos in 2014," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "With GTF engines delivering world-class fuel efficiency, we are pleased that Viva Aerobus continues to depend on us as they grow their airline with the most sustainable engines for single-aisle aircraft."

Pratt & Whitney and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance announce first GTF Engine induction

Pratt & Whitney confirmed this week that Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance ("AFI KLM E&M"), has inducted its first Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine. AFI KLM E&M joined the Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) network in 2022 with disassembly, assembly and test capability for PW1500G model engines for the Airbus A220 family. In 2021, Air France selected 60 A220-300 aircraft with an option of adding up to 60 more, which are powered exclusively by GTF engines. The airline currently operates 24 of these aircraft, with an additional 37 on order.

"With the induction of our first GTF engine, we're growing our capabilities with today's most advanced technologies," said Anne Brachet, executive vice president at Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance. "Our ability to overhaul geared turbofan engines strengthens our expertise in the world's most innovative architectures, so we're ready to meet the needs of current and future operators – many of them right here in Europe."

In the last four years, the GTF MRO network has more than doubled in size, and AFI KLM E&M marks the 13th active location. AFI KLM E&M is one of several distinguished providers in Europe supporting GTF MRO work and will become the third facility in the region to provide full disassembly, assembly and test capability for the PW1500G engine.

RTX's Collins Aerospace business signs MRO agreement with Envoy Airlines

 

RTX announced its Collins Aerospace business has signed a FlightSense flight-hour contract with Envoy Air. Under the multi-year agreement, Collins will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for a number of systems across Envoy's fleet of 128 Embraer E175 aircraft. Collins' products covered under the contract include electric power, fire protection and sensors, among others. 

"Our new agreement with Envoy builds on our existing support for the airline's Embraer fleet, further expanding Collins' relationship with one of America's largest regional carriers," said Cory May, vice president, Aftermarket Business Development for Collins Aerospace. "By providing Envoy with a maintenance program tailored to its unique operational requirements, we will help the airline reduce repair time and costs, while maximizing operational efficiency."

"We're pleased to reach an agreement with Collins Aerospace to enhance our maintenance program as we serve thousands of customers every day," said John Nicks, Envoy senior vice president, Corporate Services. "This multi-year agreement will help ensure that our aircraft are safe, compliant and ready to meet the demands of our airline operation for years to come."

Collins Aerospace is a business of RTX, the largest aerospace and defence company in the world. Our global team of 73,000 employees dreams, designs and delivers smarter, more connected solutions for passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. 

Pratt & Whitney launch new manufacturing affiliate in Morocco

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, confirmed this week ar the Paris Air Show that it will launch an affiliate, Pratt & Whitney Maroc (PWM), in Casablanca, to manufacture detailed static and structural machined parts for various engine models.

This investment is key to Pratt & Whitney's strategy to develop cost-effective sourcing capabilities for competitiveness and to optimize operations footprint and asset utilization. Morocco was selected after a global benchmarking exercise due to its growing hub of aerospace companies, cost of business and trained, available talent.

"Morocco offers many benefits for aerospace manufacturing," said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "The growing aerospace community in Casablanca ensures a highly valuable talent pool, a positive economic environment, and the support from Morocco's government. Pratt & Whitney Maroc, as an independent affiliate, will create 200 jobs by 2030, and we look forward to joining the business community in Casablanca's MidParc Free Zone."

RTX STEP-Tech demonstrator completes first engine run and electrical system integration test

RTX announced significant progress by Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace on advancing hybrid-electric propulsion through the Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology (STEP-Tech) demonstrator, which completed its first engine run and electrical system integration test. As a modular and scalable demonstrator platform, STEP-Tech is intended for rapid prototyping of distributed propulsion concepts applicable to a wide range of next-generation applications, including advanced air mobility vehicles, high-speed eVTOL and blended wing body aircraft.

"Hybrid-electric propulsion is a key part of RTX's roadmap for enabling more sustainable aviation, with the potential to enhance efficiency across many future aircraft applications, from advanced air mobility to regional aircraft and single-aisles," said Mark Russell, Chief Technology Officer, RTX. "Harnessing deep expertise from Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace and Raytheon Technologies Research Center in the fields of both aircraft propulsion and electrical systems, RTX is leading the development of hybrid-electric technology through multiple demonstration programs, including STEP-Tech."

RTX conducts successful lab demonstration of EPACS power thermal management system for F-35

RTX has conducted a successful lab test of its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), developed by its Collins Aerospace business. EPACS is designed to support F-35 Block 4 modernization and future upgrades. The company anticipates EPACS will achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 in 2023 and be ready to begin an Engineering & Manufacturing Development program as early as 2024.

Through its more efficient thermodynamic cycle, EPACS provides significantly more cooling capacity to the platform and requires less energy from the engine, thus helping to unlock improved engine performance and durability. The system will deliver more than twice the current cooling capability to support additional growth beyond Block 4 and is expected to provide enough cooling capacity for the life of the aircraft. In addition, EPACS fits within the existing envelope and is intended to be compatible with all three F-35 variants.

Engineered to supply cooling, main engine start and emergency power functionality for the F-35, EPACS includes an air cycle system, electric power generator and controller from Collins along with an auxiliary power unit from Pratt & Whitney.

"By leveraging proven technologies already in service on commercial and military aircraft, EPACS is a mature system that will help maximize F-35 performance for decades to come," said Ira Grimmett, vice president, Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Collins Aerospace. "Using our state-of-the-art test lab in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, we have begun demonstrating the system's capacity to deliver more than twice the current cooling capability, validating EPACS as the best solution for Block 4 and beyond. We are excited for the opportunity to work with Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office to bring this solution forward."