British Airways (BA) has selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines to power 33 firm and 30 optional Airbus A320neo aircraft, the companies announced on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Pratt & Whitney will also provide engine maintenance under a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement, aimed at improving fleet efficiency and reducing operating costs. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
The deal makes British Airways the latest airline to adopt the GTF engine.
“Today marks a pivotal moment and a strong vote of confidence in the GTF engine as the U.K.’s flagship carrier, British Airways, becomes the newest GTF customer,” Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said in a statement. He said the engines would support the airline’s fleet expansion plans while improving fuel efficiency.
According to Pratt & Whitney, the GTF engine delivers 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint than the previous generation of engines. More than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are in service with over 90 operators worldwide, while the order backlog exceeds 8,000 engines.
The company added that the upgraded GTF Advantage engine, due to enter service later this year, will offer up to twice the time on wing, improved fuel efficiency and greater range capability.
