Qantas Airways confirmed the selection of Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines to power its Airbus A220 and A320neo family jets.
In an official statement dated May 2, 2022, Pratt & Whitney announced Qantas had selected its GTF engines to power 40 Airbus A220 and A320neo family jets, including the recently announced A321XLR, which is expected to serve Qantas’ domestic and international short-haul flights.
According to Pratt & Whitney chief commercial officer, Rick Deurloo, the GFT engine technology will deliver “an unmatched economic and environmental performance”.
According to the manufacturer’s statement, the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine is “the only geared propulsion system delivering industry-leading sustainability benefits and dependable, world-class operating costs”.
The manufacturer also claims that the GTF engine family can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% and noise footprint by 75%.
“We thank Qantas for selecting us to power, not just one, but two of their next-generation fleets,” Deurloo said.
“GTF engine technology will deliver unmatched economic and environmental performance, and for aircraft like the A321XLR, superior payload, and range,” Deurloo added.
On May 2, 2022, Qantas Airways announced a major Airbus aircraft order for both its international and domestic routes, including 12 A350-1000 jets, which will be used for its ultra-long-haul flight service ‘Project Sunrise’, as well as 20 A220-300 narrow-body jets, and 20 A321XLRs, which will serve the airline’s domestic fleet.
Delivery of the first Airbus A220 and A320neo family jets will begin in late 2023.