PW127N Engine Wins Key EASA Certification

June 13, 2014
New engine offers enhanced performance for ATR 72-600

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW127N engine has earned certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), further clearing the way for its entry into service on a new fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft operated by Avianca Airlines of Colombia. The key EASA certification comes just weeks after the PW127N was approved by Transport Canada.

The PW127N engine builds on the success of the PW127M, which has accumulated over 10 million hours of operation. It offers enhanced performance in hot and high operating conditions, including a 4.5% thermal power increase for Maximum Take-Off ratings (MTO). Field conversions from the PW127M will be feasible with minor hardware modifications.

The PW127N will be rolled out progressively to Avianca’s ATR fleet throughout 2014 and 2015, with the first ATR 72-600 equipped with the new PW127N engines scheduled to be delivered this summer. The new engine will enable the airline to get better performance at take-off from high altitude airports like its hub in Bogota, Colombia.

“We continue to enhance our PW127 family and we will introduce additional features in early 2016 that will enhance the performance of the PW127M and PW127N engines” added John Saabas, President of P&WC, “As we have done for decades, we continue to reduce fuel burn and increase the reliability of our engines. This in turn, enhances the competitiveness of the regional turboprop.”

The PW127N is the newest member of P&WC’s PW100 turboprop family, which this year is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its entry into service. The PW100 has played a key role in the development of the global regional airline industry thanks to outstanding reliability, durability and operating economics. Today, there are over 2,800 PW100-powered regional aircraft in service with more than 500 operators in 130 countries.