Engine builder Pratt & Whitney has sealed deals with Swiss International Air Lines, Aircalin and the Aviation Capital Group for its Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines to power Airbus A320 family aircraft.
The company confirmed at the Singapore Airshow that Swiss had selected its GTF engines to power 15 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2019. Peter Wojahn, head of technical fleet management at the airline, said: “Swiss was the first airline to fly the GTF-powered Bombardier C Series aircraft. We are pleased with the engine’s fuel efficiency and environmental performance, and our passengers appreciate the noise-efficient engines. We look forward to adding the GTF-powered A320neo and A321neo to our fleet.”
The airline currently operates a fleet of 15 GTF-powered CS100 and CS300 aircraft, with another 15 on order.
New Caledonian carrier Aircalin, meanwhile, selected the GTF engines to power two A320neos it has ordered, with the engines scheduled to be delivered starting in 2020. Didier Tappero, chief executive officer at Aircalin, said the engine “was the clear choice in terms of fuel efficiency and Pratt & Whitney service and support.”
Aircalin currently operates two Bombardier DHC-6-300 aircraft with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines, as well as A320s with V2500 engines by IAE International Aero Engines AG, an aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corp. and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.
“Pratt & Whitney was proud to power Aircalin’s early flights with the PW4000-powered Airbus A310 aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, senior vice-president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. “We’re pleased that they have selected the GTF engine, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
It was also confirmed in Singapore that leasing company Aviation Capital Group ordered GTF engines for an additional seven A320neo aircraft, bringing the lessor’s total to 20 firm GTF-powered A320neo and A321neos. ACG manages over 60 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney and IAE International Aero Engines AG.
Earlier in show week it also confirmed a deal for GTF engines with BOC Aviation for 12 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
Another announcement at the airshow by Pratt & Whitney confirmed an increase in production at its first advanced manufacturing facility in Singapore in order to help with its 2018 production ramp-up. The facility is operated by P&W NGPF Manufacturing Company Singapore Pte Ltd, a joint venture with Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
Using adaptive machining and automated inspection systems, as well as advanced manufacturing tools and processes, the facility’s production of fan blades and turbine disks has steadily increased since its official opening in 2016. Full production capacity for the plant is expected to be achieved by early 2019.
The Singapore manufacturing facility is part of Pratt & Whitney’s US$110 million investment in Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore’s newest aerospace industrial park. The engine manufacturer says it will play a key role in supporting the demand for more than 8,000 GTF engine firm and option orders from customers in Asia-Pacific and elsewhere.
