Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR and aerospace product developer Pratt & Whitney yesterday announced a new partnership agreement with the goal of making PW127 series engines, including the new PW127XT, ready to operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2025.
“Our collaboration with ATR will be underway throughout 2023 and 2024 and builds on our recent 100% SAF test flight with Braathens Regional Airlines, which was an industry first for regional aviation”, said Anthony Rossi, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“While all Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have already been certified for 50% SAF blends for more than a decade, ensuring readiness to operate with 100% SAF blends in future will allow us to maximise their potential for decarbonisation”, Rossi noted.
“It is our collective responsibility as an industry to continue taking action to ensure that the vital connections provided by our aircraft across the globe are operated sustainably”, said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR.
The new PW127XT engine
The PW127XT engine will equip all future ATR 42 and 72. According to its developer Pratt & Whitney, it enables up to a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, the PW127M.
In November 2022, ATR delivered the first 72-600 aircraft with the new powerplant to Air Corsica. Future deliveries will be powered by the new engine.
The Franco-Italian manufacturer expects to obtain certification for the ATR 42 and 72 to operate commercially on 100% of SAF within two years.
