Pratt & Whitney has received orders from Frontier and Wizz Air to power their recently ordered A321neos. Both ultra low cost carriers are existing GTF customers and have chosen to continue utilizing the GTF despite the well-known difficulties with the engine that required unscheduled maintenance and temporary grounding of aircraft.
Frontier’s Commitment includes a service agreement
Frontier chose the GTF for an additional 91 aircraft, the first of which are expected to arrive during the fourth quarter of 2026. The company also agreed to a long-term EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement. Including aircraft in the fleet and on order, Frontier’s total commitment will be 235 GTF-powered aircraft.
“Four years ago, we welcomed Frontier Airlines to the Pratt & Whitney GTF family and this selection demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the GTF engine,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “With this latest order, Frontier will continue to realize the benefits of the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and we will continue to support Frontier and their operations in the coming decades.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney to power these 91 new aircraft that will join the rapidly growing Frontier fleet in the coming years,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines. “Our modern, highly fuel-efficient fleet is integral to The New Frontier, our customer-centric brand transformation that is proving affordable prices and an exceptional travel experience can fly hand in hand. The GTF engine also plays an important role in our continued commitment to being America’s Greenest Airline®.”
Wizz Air is operating first GTF powered A321XLR
“Our relationship with Pratt & Whitney has been instrumental in supporting our growth strategy, which will enable Wizz Air to have a fleet of 500 aircraft within a decade,” said Jósef Váradi, CEO. “GTF engine technology delivers the most economical solution, providing unmatched fuel efficiency while enabling quieter and less emitting flights for our passengers, and a lower cost base for the airline. This agreement is in line with our Customer First Compass strategy which puts the customer in the focus also by providing the best-in-class aircraft technology with the lowest emission intensity per passenger kilometre.”
Wizz Air selected the Pratt & Whitney GTF for 177 new aircraft, The airline also signed a long-term EngineWise® Comprehensive agreement to cover the 342 engines that will power the carriers next tranche of A321neo aircraft.
“Today marks another important milestone in our long-standing relationship with Wizz Air and is a vote of confidence in the GTF engine. Pratt & Whitney has been exclusively powering the airline’s growth since 2003, and our GTF engines will continue to deliver the lowest fuel consumption available.”
The carrier is the largest A320neo-family operator in Europe. Recently the Hungary-based carrier took delivery of its first A321XLR aircraft, making it the first airline in the world to operate the A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Together with today’s agreement, the airline has also secured a special support package to enhance operational stability during this period and mitigate the financial and operational impact of grounded aircraft.
The GTF Advantage Engine
The next evolution of the GTF engine, the GTF Advantage is particularly well suited for future A321neo and A321XLR deliveries with its higher take-off thrust capability. GTF engines already offer the lowest fuel consumption for single-aisle aircraft, and the GTF Advantage engine extends that lead. Compared to the current GTF engine, the GTF Advantage offers better fuel efficiency. Building upon the GTF’s successful test on 100% synthetic aviation fuel (SAF), Pratt & Whitney is working to ensure that the GTF Advantage will be compatible with future specifications for 100% SAF. Ultimately, the GTF Advantage engine will power both airlines new A321neo-family aircraft deliveries as it becomes the production standard over the next few years.
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