United Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney's GTF engine to power 70 Airbus A321neo and 50 A321XLR firm aircraft orders, the first of which Airbus expects to deliver this year, it said on the eve of the Paris Airshow.
Pratt & Whitney engines power more than 250 United aircraft, including the Airbus A320ceo family with V2500 engines and the Boeing 777 and 767 with PW4000 engines, the OEM said. The two companies’ relationship stretches back over 90 years.
"United and Pratt & Whitney share a celebrated history as pioneers of commercial air travel, as well as a commitment to more sustainable aviation as we look forward," said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF engines will enable United to get the most out of their A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, delivering industry-leading payload, range, and environmental performance for those aircraft types."
The Pratt & Whitney GTF engine features nacelle and engine accessories from sister company Collins Aerospace and offers the greatest fuel efficiency and lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family, the company claims. GTF-powered aircraft reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 16 percent to 20 percent, NOx emissions by up to 50 percent, and noise footprint by up to 75 percent, it said.