United Airlines’ Airbus A321XLR was the first aircraft to receive Pratt & Whitney’s new GTF Advantage engine, demonstrating their long history together and commitment to their nearly century-long relationship. This was confirmed by RTX, which owns Pratt & Whitney, on Sept. 24, 2026.
Pratt & Whitney’s new GTF engine
The GTF Advantage will deliver up to twice the time on wing compared to previous GTF engines, according to RTX. The new engine promises 4-8% more takeoff thrust, which would enable longer-range capability.
Pratt & Whitney said that the GTF Advantage is:
“fully intermixable and interchangeable with today’s GTF engine model, simplifying operations for airlines like United that maintain combined fleets.”
The engine has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines for Pratt & Whitney, said:
“The first delivery of a GTF Advantage-powered aircraft to United Airlines signifies a new chapter in our relationship that spans nearly a century. United will be the first to benefit from the world-class efficiency, durability and additional thrust capability of the GTF Advantage engine, which is particularly well-suited to the long-range A321XLR.”
Ankit Gupta, United Airlines’ senior vice president and chief air operations officer, said:
“GTF-powered aircraft are helping us reduce fuel burn and improve reliability as we add new destinations around the world for our customers.”
Pratt & Whitney hopes to transition its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the new GTF Advantage by 2028.
About Pratt & Whitney
Founded in 1925, Pratt & Whitney – a subsidiary of RTX Corporation – is an American aerospace manufacturer with global service operations. Its engines are widely used across civil and military aviation, and the company also manufactures gas turbine engines for industrial use, marine propulsion and power generation. Pratt & Whitney are the world’s second-largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer, with a 35% market share as of 2020.
United Airlines’ partnership with Pratt & Whitney spans over 90 years and began as part of the former United Aircraft and Transport Corporation with Boeing. Today, Pratt & Whitney engines power over 250 United Airlines aircraft.
What are your thoughts on Pratt & Whitney’s new GTF Advantage? Let us know in the comments.
