Pratt & Whitney has released that its GTF Advantage engine has received type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Airbus A320neo family. The GTF Advantage is the latest engine from the GTF family to achieve certification, offering 4-8% more take-off thrust, enabling higher payload capacity and longer range. This advancement opens new route possibilities for airlines while enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The engine is being developed to meet future specifications for 100% sustainable aviation fuel compatibility.
“GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for single-aisle aircraft,” said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “The GTF Advantage engine extends that lead and enhances aircraft capability, providing more thrust and even more value to operators of A320neo-family aircraft, especially on longer-range aircraft like the A321XLR, all with a more durable configuration. With this certification and engine deliveries on track for later this year, it's fitting we mark these milestones in 2025, as Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century of powering the future.”
Fully interchangeable and intermixable with the current GTF engine model, the GTF Advantage will become the new production standard. The engine features redesigned life-limited parts and technological enhancements throughout the gas path, making it more durable. Increased airflow in the core helps lower operating temperatures, while a state-of-the-art hot section extends time on wing. The high-pressure turbine (HPT) incorporates an advanced air foil design with improved coatings, while optimised cooling holes in the combustor and HPT reduce oxidation.
The GTF Advantage test programme included extensive endurance testing, achieving more than twice the amount of testing compared to the current GTF engine. It benefits from over 100,000 hours of engine and rig testing across all GTF programmes and 38 million in-service flight hours. Certain elements of the GTF Advantage configuration can be retrofitted into existing GTF engines to enhance durability and increase time on wing.
