United receives first GTF Advantage-powered A321XLR

Dhaka: United Airlines received the first aircraft, an Airbus A321XLR, powered by Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage engines on September 24, said the engine manufacturer in an official announcement.

The GTF Advantage engine features an upgraded hot section, the most advanced currently available in the single-aisle market. It offers up to twice the time on wing compared with the existing GTF engine, along with 4-8% additional takeoff thrust, allowing for extended range capability.

The new engine variant is fully intermixable and interchangeable with the current GTF model, a feature designed to simplify operations for carriers such as United that run mixed fleets.

Pratt & Whitney plans to shift its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the Advantage specification by 2028.

Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said the delivery opens a new chapter in a relationship with United spanning nearly a century, adding that the carrier will be the first to benefit from the engine's efficiency, durability, and added thrust, which he said suits the long-range A321XLR well.

Ankit Gupta, United's Senior Vice President and Chief Air Operations Officer, said the airline was pleased to add the newest GTF engine to its fleet, noting Pratt & Whitney's long history as a key supplier across multiple aircraft types. He said GTF-powered jets are helping cut fuel burn and improve reliability as United expands its route network.

Airlines already operating the current GTF engine will be able to access up to 90-95% of the Advantage variant's durability improvements through the GTF Hot Section Plus upgrade for the PW1100G-JM engine. The upgrade option will become available for installation during maintenance visits starting early next year.