Royal Jordanian Airlines has selected up to 30 of Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines to power their new single-aisle fleet in the next three to five years. Interestingly the airline plans to replace its entire narrowbody and regional jet fleet in the next few years.
Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO at Royal Jordanian, said: “We have selected GTF-powered aircraft for their industry-leading efficiency, longer range, and exceptional operating economics. These aircraft will allow us to modernize our fleet and offer new routes, all while keeping airfare affordable and significantly reducing our carbon emissions.”
The airline selected Pratt’s GTF engines to power up to 20 new Airbus A320neo, including A320neo and A321neo models. Additionally, Royal Jordanian will introduce up to 10 GTF-powered Embraer E-Jets E2 aircraft, including E190-E2 and E195-E2 models.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said: “Pratt & Whitney has been powering Royal Jordanian aircraft since the 1960s, with the Douglas DC-6 and its four Double Wasp engines, followed by the Boeing 707 and 727 in the 1970s and 1980s and the A330 in last decade. With the addition of these GTF-powered aircraft, Royal Jordanian will benefit from the geared fan technology that revolutionized the industry with dramatic reductions in noise, emissions, and fuel consumption.”
Royal Jordanian and Pratt & Whitney have also finalised an agreement for long-term engine maintenance. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in late 2023. With this agreement, the airline has become the second customer to commit to both the GTF-powered A320neo family and Embraer E-Jets E2 aircraft.
Royal Jordanian currently operates ten Airbus A320ceo aircraft with International Aero Engine’s V2500 engines and previously operated several aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney turbofan and turboprop engines and auxiliary power units.