MONTREAL - Pratt & Whitney Canada's parent company RTX has unveiled additional details on a hybrid-electric version of its PW127 turboprop engine under a €101 million ($117 million) EU Clean Aviation initiative called PHARES. Launched in early 2026, the program aims to demonstrate a 20% reduction in fuel burn against a 2020 baseline.

The engine, based on an advanced derivative of the 2,750-shaft-horsepower PW127 that powers ATR 42 and 72-series aircraft, will incorporate aerodynamic improvements and new materials alongside a 250-kilowatt Collins Aerospace electric motor mounted on the propeller gearbox. The electric motor will supply roughly 12% of the demonstrator engine's overall power requirement, though Collins Aerospace principal technical fellow Todd Spierling cautioned that figure could shift as the program matures.

P&WC has not yet determined how the projected fuel savings will be divided between improvements to the thermal engine and the hybrid system. A new propeller being developed by Collins subsidiary Ratier Figeac will also contribute to efficiency gains, and the entire package, including a thermal management system, is designed to fit within the existing nacelle structure.

Flight testing of the hybridized engine is slated for 2029 under the ATR-led DEMETRA project, with results expected to inform ATR's decision on the scope of its proposed Evo aircraft upgrade. If ATR proceeds, the Evo would enter service around 2035.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/pandwc-details-hybridisation-plan-for-pw127-engine-that-could-power-atr-evo/166726.article
Author: Dominic Perry 

TOULOUSE - Airbus is escalating its dispute with Pratt & Whitney by seeking financial compensation for ongoing delays in engine deliveries that are disrupting aircraft production. The issue centers on limited engine supply, as manufacturers juggle competing demands between building new engines for Airbus and servicing existing engines for airlines, many of which have aircraft grounded.

The delays, linked in part to earlier manufacturing issues, have forced Airbus to adjust production expectations and raised tensions across the industry. Airbus argues that Pratt & Whitney has not met agreed delivery commitments, while the engine maker says it is trying to balance competing needs.

The conflict highlights broader post-pandemic supply chain constraints and a growing strain between planemakers, suppliers, and airlines. It could potentially lead to arbitration and may influence future partnerships as Airbus evaluates long-term engine strategy decisions.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/airbus-seeks-pratt-whitney-damages-over-engine-delays-sources-say-2026-03-19/
Author: Tim Hepher 

DUBLIN - AerCap has placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2028 and continue into the early 2030s. The deal includes a mix of new purchases and previously secured options, with the majority of the aircraft being the larger A321neo variant.

The transaction is tied to fleet restructuring efforts involving Frontier Airlines. While Frontier is adjusting its existing fleet, returning some leased aircraft and deferring deliveries, this new order supports longer-term fleet optimization and growth through AerCap’s leasing model.

In addition to the aircraft, AerCap is also securing engines through a separate agreement, reinforcing its strategy of investing in high-demand, next-generation narrowbody assets. Overall, the deal highlights both AerCap’s continued expansion and Frontier’s shift toward a more efficient and flexible fleet plan.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/aercap-orders-100-a320neo-family-jets-in-frontier-linked-transaction/166697.article
Author: David Kaminski-Morrow