12 February 2020: Korean Air has selected the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine to power up to 50 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft are expected to start delivery in 2021.
Pratt & Whitney and Korean Air are also in discussions for the Korean Air Maintenance and Engineering Division to join Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G-JM GTF MRO network.
“We look forward to continued efficiency, fuel savings and environmental benefits of these latest A321neo aircraft powered by the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine,” said Soo-Keun Lee, Korean Air’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “Joining the GTF MRO network is a significant milestone that will allow Korean Air to enhance its MRO capability.”
Currently, Korean Air operates 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft which is equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines. Also, Korean Air’s Pratt & Whitney powered fleet consist of 18 777s, six 747s, and 29 A330s. Korean Air also operates a fleet of 10 A380s equipped with the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
“Pratt & Whitney has shared a long-standing relationship and history with Korean Air dating back to the late 1960s and we are honored to power their next-generation fleet,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer at Pratt & Whitney. “We appreciate Korean Air’s continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney and we remain committed to supporting their fleet for many years to come.”