Pratt & Whitney announces new, more efficient jet engine for Airbus

pratt & whitney east hartford manufacturing

Photo | Pratt & Whitney A Pratt & Whitney engine.

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Pratt & Whitney unveiled the next generation of its geared turbofan (GTF) engine for Airbus this week that the company said will set industry standards for fuel efficiency and sustainability.

The East Hartford-based jet engine maker, a Raytheon Technologies Corp. business, showcased the new GTF Advantage engine Thursday. It described it as “the world's most fuel-efficient and sustainable single-aisle aircraft engine.”

The engine will be used in the Airbus A320neo family aircraft and reduces fuel consumption by an additional 1% compared to the current GTF engine, the company said. In total, the upgraded engine decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 17% compared to prior-generation engines, the company said.

The new GTF Advantage engine will be compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel when it launches in Jan. 2024, Pratt said. The current generation of GTF engines are certified to operate only on 50% sustainable aviation fuel.

"GTF engines met or exceeded fuel, emissions and noise commitments from day one and have since achieved a strong record of dependability and low operating cost," said Pratt’s President of Commercial Engines Carroll Lane. "GTF Advantage provides even more value to our customers, both in revenue potential and environmental impact, with lower fuel burn and new route opportunities."

While energy efficiency is one element of the new engine, power is also being upgraded.

Company officials said the new engine configuration delivers higher thrust, both at sea level and for airports at higher altitudes, which enables increased range and payload on flights.

There is up to 34,000 pounds of takeoff thrust per engine, which company officials said make it the most powerful engine in the A320neo family of jets.

Pratt & Whitney has already completed more than a year of ground and flight testing on the new engine, company officials said. The new configuration will be interchangeable with already delivered engines and become the new production standard for A320neo family aircraft.