Pratt & Whitney has received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its GTF engine to power the Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The engine type certificate, updated on December 12, to include the A321XLR, applies to the PW1100G-JM engine.
“This is an important milestone for the GTF engine programme, which was the first engine to power the A320neo-aircraft family,” said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. He emphasised the benefits of the A321XLR’s longer range and greater payload, offering expanded route options and best-in-class fuel efficiency with the lowest carbon emissions for single-aisle aircraft.
Globally, 13 customers have chosen GTF engines for 217 A321XLR aircraft. To date, over 2,100 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to more than 80 customers, achieving 20% better fuel efficiency than previous-generation engines. This efficiency has saved two billion gallons of fuel and reduced CO2 emissions by 20 million metric tonnes since the engine’s 2016 debut.
The upcoming GTF Advantage engine, scheduled for certification and initial deliveries next year, promises enhanced performance for A321XLR operators. It offers 4–8% higher take-off thrust, up to one percent additional fuel efficiency, and extended time on wing. Fully compatible with current GTF models, the GTF Advantage will further improve route flexibility and operational cost-effectiveness.
