Pratt & Whitney Says It Remains Committed To Mid-size Aircraft Market Segment

In October 2011, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney parent company United Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced their intention to form a new joint venture to develop an engine to power future midsize (120-230 passenger) aircraft. Following further discussion and because of the current regulatory environment, the parties have agreed not to proceed with the partnership.

In a news release at the time the partnership was announced, the two companies said they would establish a joint venture company, in which each will hold an equal share, to develop new engines for the next generation of aircraft that will replace the existing mid-size fleet.  The joint venture was to focus on high bypass ratio geared turbofan technology, and collaborate on future studies for next generation propulsion systems, including advanced geared engines, open rotor technology and other advanced configurations.

At the same time, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney restructured their participation in IAE, which produces the V2500 engine for the A320 family of aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney said in a statement that it remains fully committed to this important market segment and will continue independently to invest in and develop applications of its geared turbofan engine to power the next generation of midsize aircraft.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com, www.rolls-royce.com