The US-based ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines made a large order of engines to power a total of 134 Airbus A320neo family jets.
On January 25, 2021, Frontier Airlines announced having chosen the US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to provide GTF engines to power a total of 134 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. According to the latest company release, GFT engines will power 49 A320neos, 67 A321neos, and 18 A321XLR jets. The airline is set to receive delivery of the first Airbus A320neo family aircraft in 2022.
In addition, the airline and Pratt & Whitney stepped into a long-term agreement partnership, which includes engine maintenance services. Frontier Airlines plans to operate their GTF-powered A320neo family jets on domestic and international routes in North America.
“Frontier Airlines is at the forefront of green innovation in the airline industry and this deal for advanced GTF engines from Pratt & Whitney is extremely significant in our continued action plan to reduce fuel consumption,” said Barry Biffle, the President, and CEO of Frontier Airlines.
The CEO of Frontier hopes that the new engine technology will help the airline save fuel and reduce its operational costs, which the carrier plans to “pass on to consumers in the form of low fares.”
“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Frontier Airlines to the Pratt & Whitney family,” quoted Rick Deurloo, the Chief Commercial Officer at Pratt & Whitney.
“With the GTF engine, Frontier will be getting more than fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility; Pratt & Whitney will be with Frontier every step of the way, supporting their operations for decades to come,” Deurloo added.
According to Pratt & Whitney, the GTF engine is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 16%, while reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 50% in comparison to the regulatory standard.