Pratt & Whitney has announced that Airbus has begun development flight testing of the GTF Advantage engine on an A320neo aircraft. The early flight test campaign will continue to develop the engine by testing it in a variety of environments which includes hot and cold weather and operation from high-altitude airports. The flight test campaign of the engine is an extension of ongoing product development by Pratt & Whitney and Airbus.
Engine certification for the GTF Advantage engine will continue through the first half of 2023. This will also include the flights currently underway on the Pratt & Whitney flying test bed in Mirabel, Québec, Canada, as well as extensive endurance testing to ensure product maturity at entry into service. The GTF Advantage engine has completed more than 2,400 hours and 7,800 cycles of testing, including a successful test on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).