Aircalin Selects P&W Geared Turbofan Engines for Airbus A320neo Aircraft Order

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Aircalin, the flag carrier airline of New Caledonia, today announced the selection of the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine to power the airline's commitment for two Airbus A320neo aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020.

"We are happy to select the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine to power our Airbus A320neo aircraft," said Didier Tappero, chief executive officer at Aircalin. "This engine was the clear choice in terms of fuel efficiency and Pratt & Whitney service and support. We're looking forward to serving our passengers with this incredibly quiet aircraft."

Aircalin currently operates two Bombardier DHC-6-300 aircraft with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines, as well as Airbus A320 aircraft with V2500 engines by IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney; Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH; Japanese Aero Engines Corporation; and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.

"Pratt & Whitney was proud to power Aircalin's early flights with the PW4000-powered Airbus A310 aircraft," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "We're pleased that they have selected the GTF engine, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come."

Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 percent to the regulatory standard, and to lower the noise footprint by 75 percent.