UK flag carrier opts for game-changing geared architecture
LONDON, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Farnborough International Airshow – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, announced today that British Airways has selected GTF engines to power 33 firm and 30 option Airbus A320neo aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide maintenance for the engines through a 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive services agreement, ensuring optimized fleet efficiency and cost of ownership. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
“Today marks a pivotal moment and a strong vote of confidence in the GTF engine as the UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways, becomes the newest GTF customer,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “As the most fuel-efficient choice for the A320neo aircraft, the GTF engine will help British Airways achieve its international fleet expansion goals and enhance the travel experience for passengers.”
The GTF delivers 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint compared to the prior generation of engines. Over 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are operated globally by more than 90 customers, and the order backlog of over 8,000 GTF engines reflects strong market demand for its proven benefits. The GTF Advantage engine, which will enter into service later this year, will provide operators up to twice the time on wing, industry-leading fuel efficiency and even more range capability.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for military, commercial and civil aviation customers. Since 1925, our engineers have pioneered the development of revolutionary aircraft propulsion technologies, and today we support more than 90,000 in-service engines through our global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/british-airways-selects-rtxs-pratt–whitney-gtf-engines-to-power-up-to-63-airbus-a320neo-aircraft-302829308.html
SOURCE RTX
FAQ
What did RTX (NYSE: RTX) announce about British Airways and Pratt & Whitney GTF engines on July 20, 2026?
RTX announced that British Airways selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines for up to 63 Airbus A320neo aircraft. According to RTX, the deal covers 33 firm and 30 option aircraft plus a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive maintenance agreement, with deliveries planned to start in 2027.
How many Airbus A320neo aircraft will British Airways equip with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines?
British Airways will equip 33 firm and 30 option Airbus A320neo aircraft, totaling up to 63, with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. According to RTX, this selection also includes long-term maintenance support under a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement.
What efficiency and noise benefits do Pratt & Whitney GTF engines offer for A320neo aircraft?
Pratt & Whitney GTF engines provide 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint compared with prior-generation engines. According to RTX, these benefits help operators like British Airways improve operating economics and reduce environmental and community noise impacts on A320neo fleets.
When will Pratt & Whitney begin delivering GTF engines to British Airways for its A320neo fleet?
Deliveries of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to British Airways are expected to begin in 2027. According to RTX, these engines will power 33 firm and 30 option Airbus A320neo aircraft under a broader package that includes a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive maintenance agreement.
What is included in the 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement between Pratt & Whitney and British Airways?
The 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive agreement provides maintenance services for British Airways’ Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. According to RTX, this long-term services package is designed to optimize fleet efficiency and cost of ownership for the A320neo engines selected by the airline.
How large is the global installed base and backlog for Pratt & Whitney GTF engines according to RTX?
More than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are in service worldwide with over 90 customers. According to RTX, the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine backlog exceeds 8,000 units, indicating strong ongoing demand for the geared turbofan technology across commercial aviation fleets.