Latin America’s largest airline, LATAM Airlines Group, named Pratt & Whitney to supply engines for the outstanding aircraft to be delivered under its 2013 order for 42 Airbus A320neo jets. Including options, the agreement could involve engines for as many as 146 aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney did not project its anticipated revenue from the deal, though with an estimated list price of $12 million per engine, the agreement could be worth as much as $3.5 billion.
“GTF engines are already delivering exceptional economic and sustainability benefits to LATAM and we look forward to providing even greater value in the years to come,” stated Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. The supplier also provide engine maintenance through a long-term, comprehensive service agreement.
The GTF engines are one of two options available to operators of Airbus A320neo aircraft, and according to Pratt they offer the best available fuel efficiency and lowest greenhouse gas emissions. Reportedly, GTF-powered aircraft reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 16-20%; NOx emissions up to 50%; and noise footprint up to 75%. Also, GTF engines are certified to operate on 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and have been tested successfully to run on 100% SAF.
The A320neo is the “new engine option” introduced in 2014 as an update to the Airbus’ twin-engine narrow-body jet, currently the best aircraft in the world. LATAM ordered a total of 100 of the aircraft in 2011 – A320neo, A321neo, and A321neo XLR models – and then in 2013 it selected the Pratt & Whitney engines to power the initial aircraft to be delivered.
Currently, LATAM is operating 16 A320neos with the GTF engines, for its subsidiary carriers LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, and LATAM Airlines Perú. .
