Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., and Korean Air announced the formal selection of the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine to power up to 50 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft are expected to begin delivery in 2021.
Korean Air and Pratt & Whitney are also entering into discussions for the Korean Air Maintenance and Engineering Division to join Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G-JM GTF MRO network.
“We look forward to continued efficiency, fuel savings and environmental benefits of these latest A321neo aircraft powered by the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine,” said Mr. Soo-Keun Lee, Korean Air’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.
“Joining the GTF MRO network is a significant milestone that will allow Korean Air to enhance its MRO capability.”
Korean Air currently operates 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft in service powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines. In addition, Korean Air’s Pratt & Whitney powered fleet includes 18 777s, six 747s, and 29 A330s. Korean Air also operates a fleet of 10 A380s powered by the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
“Pratt & Whitney has shared a long-standing relationship and history with Korean Air dating back to the late 1960s and we are honored to power their next-generation fleet,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer at Pratt & Whitney.
“We appreciate Korean Air’s continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney and we remain committed to supporting their fleet for many years to come.”