SAVANNAH, GEORGIA -- (Marketwire - Dec. 8, 2010) - NAAA - Pratt & Whitney Canada has announced several initiatives relating to the maintenance and support of its PT6A engines, popular in the agricultural aviation industry around the world, here at the 2010 National Agricultural Aviation Association's (NAAA) annual convention and trade show. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX).
"The recession has had an impact on all industry sectors, including agriculture," said Raffaele Virgili, Vice-President, Customer Service. "Given the role of the PT6 in the Ag industry, we have put considerable effort into developing tailored initiatives that help industry operators keep their aircraft flying profitably and dependably.
"Pratt & Whitney Canada has been a long-time supporter of the Ag industry and we have a dedicated team within the company that focuses on the needs of our Ag operators. This year the team has met with 250 of our operators and distributors to get their direct feedback and heighten the service we provide them," added Virgili.
New engine up for auction
P&WC has been active in NAAA events for a number of years and since 1998 the company has donated $170,000 to National Agricultural Aviation Research and Education Foundation projects, including the PAASS program.
P&WC has delivered close to 2,000 PT6A engines to the Ag market, stated Michael Perodeau, Vice President, Business Aviation and Military Programs, speaking at the annual NAAA engine auction, "which has close to nine million flying hours."
This year, P&WC has offered for auction a new PT6A-34 AG engine with basic warranty coverage of 1000 hours, with no calendar limit, new parts primary parts service and extended engine service policy.
"This engine's versatility and dependability have made it one of the most enduring in aviation history," said Perodeau, "and it is easy to draw parallels between the engine's character and that of the men and women present this evening. This market and its star engine have stood the test of time."
New initiatives help maintain engine performance
Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a new Hot Section Kit Program for PT6A-11AG/34AG engines. Through the program, the company will provide a rebate of up to US$ 12,000 off the P&WC published price to operators who refresh their hot section with new CT blades, CT shroud segments and CT vanes.
The company also had good news for operators of PT6A engines needing an overhaul. For a limited time, operators of PT6A-11/11AG/15AG/112/21/27/28/34/34AG/135/114 engines may qualify for a rebate ranging from US$5,000 to US$45,000 applicable to the engine overhaul cost.
P&WC customers are encouraged to ask their maintenance provider about these special programs or to contact P&WC's CFirst Centre directly with questions at 1-800-268-8000 (North American customers) or +8000-268-8000 (international customers).
P&WC's PT6A engines have remained popular because of their durability and dependable performance. Today's PT6A engine is four times more powerful, with a 40 per cent better power-to-weight ratio and 20 per cent better fuel consumption than the original models introduced into service almost 50 years ago.
Customers are invited to drop by P&WC's booth #425 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Centre to speak with a customer service representative. Additional information is also available by contacting a P&WC field support or sales representative.
