Aircalin takes delivery of first aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines

Pratt & Whitney and Aircalin, the flag carrier airline of New Caledonia, a French territory comprised of islands in the South Pacific, celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A320neo aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The airline committed to purchase two aircraft in 2018.

“The GTF engine was a clear choice in terms of fuel efficiency, service and support when we selected Pratt & Whitney in 2018,” said Didier Tappero, chief executive officer at Aircalin. “We are excited to provide our customers with a quieter, more sustainable flying experience.”

Aircalin currently operates two Viking Air DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines, as well as two Airbus A320ceo aircraft with V2500® engines from 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.

“Aircalin became a Pratt & Whitney customer in 2000 with the Airbus A310 aircraft and PW4000 engines,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer and senior vice president at Pratt & Whitney. “Now, with Airbus A320neo aircraft and GTF engines, we look forward to delivering industry-leading technology, fuel efficiency and environmental performance to Aircalin.”

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