GTF powered A321XLR receives FAA certification |

Pratt & Whitney announced it received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification for the GTF engine that will power the Airbus A321XLR. Thirteen operators have selected GTF engines to power 217 A321XLRs. This news follows the recent certification of a "more durable" high-pressure turbine kit for CFM's LEAP-1A engines, which power Airbus narrowbodies. The GTF has been through a rough patch. The next version of that engine, the GTF Advantage, is on track for certification. Deliveries starting next year are expected to provide even more value to customers operating the A321XLR. Pratt & Whitney projects it will deliver 4-8% higher takeoff thrust with up to 1% additional fuel efficiency and longer time on wing. Operators will welcome the GTF news. Let's explain. In addition to focusing on 13 operators that selected the GTF for XLR, the GTF is doing well on the best-selling A321. Based on our delivery tracker through 9 am today, we see the following. [caption id="attachment_88841" align="aligncenter" width="580"] AirInsight[/caption] There is a remarkable shift from the A320neo to the more capable A321. When the more capable A321NX became available, customers moved to that model. The XLR has also attracted strong interest. Airlines find aircraft that can "do more" attractive. For example, even though the average domestic flight in the US is ~1,000 miles, airlines want a corner-to-corner capability of 3,000 miles. This shift to a more capable airplane can be further refined to show model details. [caption id="attachment_88843" align="aligncenter" width="580"] AirInsight[/caption] Airbus's code for the models is that any model with a "5" is CFM-powered, while a "7" is GTF-powered. The NX could be an LR, but not always. Some airlines say their model is an LR, but it's not if it lacks long-range tanks. NY is the code for other new XLRs. The data shows that the aircraft delivered with GTF power is ahead by a considerable margin. The chart below shows this trend has been occurring throughout the GTF tribulations. [caption id="attachment_88844" align="aligncenter" width="580"] AirInsight[/caption] If we move away from the A321 and examine the A320neo family by engine selection, including operators, we get the following: The lists show the most prominent operators. [caption id="attachment_88851" align="aligncenter" width="580"] AirInsight[/caption] Notice that Indigo Airlines is prominently featured on both sides. The score will change because all new Airbus single-aisle models delivered to this airline will use LEAP. Conclusion Both engine makers continue to tweak and improve their products. Operators are evolving their model selection by chasing the most capable models. At this writing, the GTF has a strong lead - despite the engine's teething problems. CFM will close this lead because it won a crucial customer in Indigo.

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