LONGUEUIL, QUE., February 6, 2008 – Pratt & Whitney Canada has launched its next-generation 10,000-pound-thrust-class engine family, designated the PW800. The first engine, the PW810, has been selected by Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, to power its new Citation Columbus business aircraft. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company.
Alain M. Bellemare, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada and executive vice president, Pratt & Whitney Group Strategy and Development, and Jack J. Pelton, Cessna chairman, president and CEO.
“We are very pleased that Cessna has selected P&WC for its large-cabin jet, and we are equally excited to be growing our product offering with this all-new, greener engine family for customers in the large, long-range business aircraft segment,” said Alain M. Bellemare, President, P&WC and Executive Vice President, Pratt & Whitney Group Strategy & Development. “We are clearly committed to the business aviation market and are investing to maintain our leadership. This win, which represents a multibillion opportunity for us in potential orders over the life of the program, opens doors to both the large-cabin, long-range corporate and the regional jet markets.”
“Based on a very rigorous and competitive selection process involving a number of engine suppliers, we are convinced that Pratt & Whitney Canada offers the best solution for our large-cabin Citation business jet,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. “We now look forward to launching into this exciting new market together.”
The PW800
The PW800 engine family is the most recent evolution in P&WC’s growth strategy to continue expanding its portfolio with best-in-class, dependable products. Over the last few years, P&WC has focused significantly on the technology readiness of the PW800. This next-generation product raises the bar on performance and economics by taking advantage of the latest materials, aerodynamic and design technologies developed by the company. It incorporates advanced fan, compressor, turbine and low-emissions TALON combustion systems for exceptional fuel consumption, future thrust-growth capability and improved environmental friendliness.
In addition, the PW810 will surpass International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emissions standards by up to 50 per cent for nitrous oxide and 35 per cent for carbon monoxide emissions, and will also achieve low unburned hydrocarbons and smoke emissions. It is also designed for low noise, well below Stage IV standards.
“We have the best proven technologies, together with the expertise and capability, to successfully launch this program now,” said Bellemare. “The timing is perfect, as we have just completed development on several of our most recent engine programs.”
P&WC brings to this program its extensive experience in developing new products. In the last 12 years, the company has successfully certified and brought to market over 60 new engines.
P&WC is committed to providing customers with world-class support that surpasses expectations. This commitment is backed by over one-half billion hours of in-service experience and one of the most extensive networks in the industry. P&WC’s customer support encompasses over 30 company-owned and designated service facilities, a Customer First Centre for expert and rapid assistance and an expanded parts distribution network to deliver an enhanced level of unmatched frontline support. The PW800 engine is also equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics capability for proactive maintenance that maximizes time on wing and fast return to service of aircraft. With field support representatives on all continents, mobile repair teams available around the clock, the largest pool of P&WC rental and exchange engines in the industry, P&WC’s goal is to go the extra mile to keep its customers flying.
Pratt & Whitney Canada, based in Longueuil, Que., is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also manufactures auxiliary power units and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
