Pratt & Whitney will supply dozens of GTF geared-turbofan engines for 33 Airbus A320neo jets ordered by British Airways, as well as a further 30 aircraft that could be supplied under options. Up to 126 engines could be supplied, not including spares, and with an estimated unit cost of $12 million to $14 million the airline’s selection could be worth more than $1.8 billion to Pratt & Whitney.
Engine deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
None of the principles has reported the number of engines to be supplied, nor the value of the order.
Pratt & Whitney also will supply maintenance for the engines under a 12-year comprehensive services agreement, ensuring optimized fleet efficiency and cost of ownership.
The GTF engine is one of two options available to airline operators for the A320neo series jets, which are twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft. The design allows the engine fan and low-pressure turbine to operate at optimal speeds.
The manufacturer calls it “the most fuel efficient engine for the single-aisle market, delivering up to 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint compared to the prior generation of engines.”
Pratt & Whitney recently reported it has logged over 800 orders and commitments for GTF engine since the start of 2026, including the British Airways order. "We see strong demand for the GTF engine and continued confidence in the value it delivers to customers," stated P&W’s Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines. "The GTF Advantage engine will enter into service later this year and will provide up to twice the time on wing, industry-leading fuel efficiency and even more range capability."
It’s hoped the new version will help Pratt overcome the chronic maintenance and repair problems that have beset the GTF engine series since 2021. A powder metal contamination defect affecting critical engine components has resulted in aircraft being taken out of service, leaving airlines stuck for spare engines, and backing up the Pratt & Whitney’s delivery schedule for new engines.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury earlier this year indicated Pratt & Whitney did not fulfill its delivery commitments in 2025 and is not expected to do so in 2026, causing Airbus to reduce its delivery forecast for this year. “We see shortages of engines from Pratt & Whitney not matching our needs nor our orders,” Faury said.
