EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX in East Hartford, Conn. that its GTF engine has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to power the Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The updated engine type certificate for the PW1100G-JM GTF engine was granted on 12 Dec. and now includes the A321XLR.
"This is an important milestone for the GTF engine program, which was the first engine to power the A320neo aircraft family," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "The longer range and higher payload capability of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft will provide customers with expanded route flexibility to more destinations. A321XLR operators will benefit from the GTF's best-in-class fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions available for single aisle aircraft."
Thirteen customers globally have chosen GTF engines to power 217 A321XLR aircraft. To date, more than 2,100 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to over 80 operators worldwide. The engines provide up to 20% greater fuel efficiency than the previous engine generation.
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Pratt & Whitney's next-generation GTF Advantage engine is expected to be certified and delivered in 2025. RTX says the GTF Advantage will offer 4-8% more takeoff thrust and provide up to 1% additional fuel efficiency. Its design includes improved materials and aerodynamics for greater durability and longer time on wing. The engine is specifically optimized for the A321XLR's extended range and payload requirements. The GTF Advantage will be fully compatible with existing GTF engines, allowing operators to mix and match models within their fleets.
