Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX) and Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA) celebrated the delivery of MEA’s first Airbus A320neo family aircraft – an A321neo – powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The airline placed an order for nine Airbus A320neo family aircraft in 2018.
“We are thrilled to take delivery of our first A321neo aircraft and to offer our passengers a quieter, more comfortable flight experience. The architecture of the GTF engines enable the economics we need as the industry begins to enter recovery,” said Mohamad A. El-Hout, Chairman-Director General, Middle East Airlines.
Middle East Airlines, based in Lebanon, is celebrating its 75 th anniversary this year. The airline currently operates nine V2500®-powered A320ceo family aircraft.
“This delivery marks another significant milestone in Middle East Airlines 75 th year. We are honored that MEA has operated Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft since 1963, and has selected the GTF engine to power their next-generation fleet,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer at Pratt & Whitney. “We look forward to supporting MEA’s expansion and future long-range operations.”
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 compared to the regulatory standard, and to reduce the noise footprint by 75 percent.
