Uprated Turbofan Will Enter Service In 2009

Pratt & Whitney's first PW4000-100" Advantage70 development engine has completed initial ground testing in East Hartford, CT. The engine, which will deliver 70,000 pounds of thrust for the A330 aircraft family, will begin flight testing on Pratt & Whitney's 747 flying test bed in the second quarter 2008.

The first PW4000 engines with the Advantage70 technology upgrade are scheduled to enter into service in 2009.

"We are proud to bring our customers closer to realizing the benefits of this technology upgrade for the reliable PW4000-100" engine," said Mike Field, vice president, Pratt & Whitney Operational Commercial Engines. "Advantage70 will offer additional thrust, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance cost for the A330 family. The upgrade also brings significant environmental improvements by reducing CO2 emissions by 650 tonnes per aircraft, per year compared to today's A330 aircraft."

The A330-200 and A330-300 passenger aircraft will be the first to fly PW4000-100" engines with Advantage70 in mid-2009. Flyington Freighters, the launch customer for the A330-200F, also selected the Advantage70 to power its new aircraft, which are scheduled to enter into service in late 2009.

Pratt & Whitney states the Advantage70 technology upgrade delivers enhanced engine performance, increased thrust, lower fuel consumption, increased durability and reduced maintenance costs.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com