The FAA has granted type certification to Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage engine, an enhanced turbofan variant dedicated to Airbus’ A320neo family.
The approval paves the way for the engine to become the standard in production, with deliveries expected by 2025.
The GTF Advantage features improvements such as a completely redesigned limited-life part and technological improvements in the gas path. The turbofan is more durable and can deliver 4 to 8% more thrust with the same fuel consumption.
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“In the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the enhancements include an advanced airfoil design with improved coatings. The HPT and combustor also feature optimized cooling hole size, shape and location, with improved hole drilling techniques to reduce oxidation,” says Pratt & Whitney.
The engine, which will be compatible with the use of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), will offer a higher payload and an expanded range.
The manufacturer expects improvements across the A320neo family, but the ultra-long-range A321XLR variant is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries. Currently, the 244-seat jet can fly up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km).
More than 2,200 aircraft fly with the GTF engine
“GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for single-aisle aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
“The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead and enhances aircraft capability, providing more thrust and even more value to operators of A320neo family aircraft, especially on longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR, all with a more durable configuration.”
According to PW, the GTF Advantage is fully intermixable and interchangeable with the current GTF engine model, but underwent more extensive and tougher testing before being approved.
In addition, some elements of the turbofan can be incorporated into the original GTF, extending the wing span.
The certification is positive news for Pratt & Whitney amid a widespread recall of the GTF engine following design issues.
Used on aircraft such as the A320neo, A220 and Embraer E2, the PW1000G, as it is also referred to, has forced several customers to keep their jets on the ground awaiting modifications to correct the problems.
There are currently more than 2,200 GTF-powered aircraft in the world flying with more than 80 customers.
