Pratt & Whitney says it has reached two major milestones with its geared turbofan (GTF) engines. Since the engine’s entry into service the power plants have saved 1 billion gallons (nearly 4 billion litres) of fuel and 10 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
During this time, the engine builder has also continued to advance the GTF for current and future aircraft. In the past year alone it improved on the engine’s best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions for the A320neo family and successfully tested the more powerful GTF Advantage engine on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Furthermore, the company started engine certification testing and worked with Airbus to begin development flight testing on an A320neo aircraft.
The company also announced plans to enhance the engine’s geared fan architecture with hybrid-electric systems and water-enhanced turbine technology through the SWITCH collaboration programme with Airbus, MTU Aero Engines, Collins Aerospace and GKN Aerospace. Pratt & Whitney says the program, coupled with recent FAA Cleen III and NASA HyTEC awards, demonstrates its continued commitment to sustainable propulsion.
“We’re the only engine company with a geared fan in commercial service,” said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. “With the GTF Advantage engine and these key technology development programs, our revolutionary architecture is at the heart of sustainable propulsion today and into the future.”
In 2022, Pratt & Whitney announced more than 1,100 GTF engine orders and commitments, while more than 1,400 aircraft have now been delivered to 64 operators. To support the growing fleet, the company also announced the expansion of the GTF MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) network to include Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Iberia Maintenance and SR Technics.
“GTF engines continue to deliver lower operational costs for our customers; new routes and revenue potential for airlines, airports and communities; and big savings in noise and emissions for passengers and our planet,” Deurloo added.
The Pratt & Whitney GTF engine is the only geared propulsion system currently delivering industry-leading sustainability benefits and dependable, world-class operating costs.
GTF-powered aircraft are said to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 16% to 20%, NOx emissions by up to 50% and noise footprint by up to 75%.
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