As a part of an extension of the ongoing product development by Pratt & Whitney and Airbus, Airbus is conducting a series of flight tests on the Pratt & Whitney GTF advantage engine mounted on the A320. The tests are conducted in a variety of environments like hot and cold weather and operation from high-altitude airports.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said: “GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the A320neo family. The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead. It also enhances aircraft capability by increasing thrust and protects durability by running cooler. For airlines, this means new revenue opportunities and better operating economics. Our revolutionary geared fan architecture is the foundation for more sustainable aviation technologies in the decades ahead, and the GTF Advantage engine is the next step in that journey.”
Pratt & Whitney claims that the engine has completed more than 2,400 hours and 7,800 cycles of testing, including a successful test on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Engine certification is expected to continue through the first half of 2023. Besides according to Pratt & Whitney, the GTF Advantage engine lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 1% compared to the current model GTF engine.