Sichuan Airlines A320neo marks 1,000th GTF-powered Aircraft

Pratt & Whitney has celebrated delivery of the 1,000th aircraft powered by GTF engines to Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd. (“Sichuan”). GTF engines power three aircraft families in service today: Airbus A320neo, Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jets E2. The 1,000th aircraft marked the 30th A320neo family aircraft in the Sichuan fleet with 51 more to be delivered. In addition to GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft, the airline also operates 87 A320ceo family aircraft with V2500® engines.

“We are honoured to take delivery of the 1,000th GTF-powered aircraft,” said Li Haiying, Chairman of Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd. “We offer our congratulations on this milestone, which is a testament not only to the unmatched economic and environmental performance of GTF engines, but also the long-term relationship we have enjoyed with Pratt & Whitney.”

Powering 54 airlines around the world, GTF engines have saved more than 490 million gallons (1.8 billion liters) of fuel and avoided over 4.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions, while accumulating more than 8.9 million engine flight hours of experience.

Thanks in part to the engine’s fuel efficiency, these three aircraft families have experienced some of the highest utilization during the pandemic and recovery period. Paired with world-class dispatch reliability, the GTF is enabling operators to expand their route networks more sustainably. It is the engine of choice for more than 80 airlines and lessors who have placed orders and commitments for over 10,000 engines. To service the growing fleet, Pratt & Whitney has established a global network of the world’s leading maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

“GTF-powered aircraft have introduced the world to a new era of more sustainable aviation with dramatic reductions in emissions and noise,” said Rick Deurloo, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President at Pratt & Whitney. “Together with the engine’s unmatched fuel efficiency, world-class reliability, and comprehensive service offerings, we are delivering competitive solutions for our customers. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with Sichuan – and with all our valued operators around the world.”

Pratt & Whitney invested US$10 billion and 20 years to develop the revolutionary geared architecture of the GTF engine. This award-winning design is the kind of innovation that continues to deliver economic value to airlines and passengers, while also dramatically reducing environmental footprint.

In China, GTF engines have saved more than 80 million gallons (300 million liters) of fuel, avoided over 770,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, and gained more than 1.4 million hours of experience across 11 airlines. In 2020, Pratt & Whitney announced that MTU Maintenance Zhuhai and Ameco Beijing would join the GTF MRO network.

In India, GTF engines have saved more than 130 million gallons (490 million liters) of fuel, avoided over 1.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions, and gained more than 2.5 million hours of experience. In 2020, GTF engines powering the A320neo family achieved a world-class engine dispatch reliability rate of 99.98% worldwide. Pratt & Whitney also announced in 2020 that Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) would provide maintenance services in support of GTF operators in India and the surrounding region.