RTX powers ahead in Paris with green tech and engine deals
RTX has taken centre stage at the 2025 Paris Air Show, unveiling a series of announcements from engine agreements to new technology.
The deals advance areas including sustainable aviation, propulsion technologies, as well as securing long-term partnerships with leading global airlines.
Wizz signs with RTX
At the heart of RTX’s Paris showcase was a blockbuster deal with Wizz Air, Europe’s largest A320neo-family operator, which selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines to power 177 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft.
This expands Wizz Air’s GTF-powered fleet to 453 aircraft, reaffirming its plan to grow to 500 aircraft within the decade and at the same time significantly reducing fuel burn and emissions across its network.
The deal also includes a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement to support fleet reliability and cost efficiency.
József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, said: “GTF engine technology delivers the most economical solution, providing unmatched fuel efficiency while enabling quieter and less emitting flights for our passengers, and a lower cost base for the airline.”
The airline recently took delivery of its first A321XLR powered by GTF engines, marking another global first for the carrier and cementing its reputation as a sustainability leader in the low-cost segment.
Frontier Airlines, another major GTF customer, announced an expansion of its partnership with Pratt & Whitney, selecting GTF engines to power 91 more A321neo aircraft, bringing its total GTF-powered fleet commitment to 235 aircraft.
The engines will be supported through EngineWise services and will include the GTF Advantage, the latest evolution of the engine offering more take-off thrust, better fuel efficiency, and longer time on wing.
“The GTF engine … plays an important role in our continued commitment to being America’s Greenest Airline,” said Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines.
Cebu Pacific joined the spotlight by finalising a 12-year EngineWise maintenance agreement for its rapidly growing GTF fleet.
The agreement supports engines powering up to 167 aircraft ordered in 2024, aligning maintenance costs with actual usage and ensuring fleet reliability through real-time data and analytics.
Cebu Pacific has credited the GTF with enabling up to 20% fuel burn reduction, a vital component of its low-cost, sustainable growth model.
Beyond commercial orders, RTX’s aftermarket capabilities took a step forward with the addition of ITP Aero to the global GTF MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) network.
The Madrid-based facility will provide full MRO and test capability for PW1500G and PW1900G engines used on Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jets E2 aircraft.
With this addition, the GTF MRO network now comprises 21 shops across four continents, which RTX said was key to enhancing global capacity and reducing turnaround times for operators.
“Pratt & Whitney and ITP have partnered on the manufacturing and design of components for the GTF program for more than a decade,” said Keren Rambow, vice president, GTF Aftermarket and Transformation for Pratt & Whitney.
“It’s a natural extension of our relationship to have ITP join the network, adding their MRO expertise to support the return of engines to our customers as soon as possible.”
On the regional and next-generation propulsion front, Pratt & Whitney Canada unveiled significant progress on two initiatives:
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion: The RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator reached a critical milestone with successful full-power testing of the integrated propulsion system and 200 kWh battery packs.
The system, developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace and H55, aims to improve fuel efficiency by up to 30% in regional aircraft.
Flight testing with a modified De Havilland Dash 8-100 is set to begin with support from AeroTEC.
ATR Partnership for EVO Concept: Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR announced a collaboration to develop advanced propulsion systems for the next-generation ATR ‘EVO’ regional turboprop.
The partnership will focus on improving engine thermal efficiency, materials durability, and hybrid-electric potential, setting the stage for even more sustainable short-haul air travel.
“From our pioneering collaboration on the PW120 in the 1980s, ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada have continuously raised the bar in regional aviation. We are now setting our sights on the next generation of engines, advancing fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing operational performance,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, chief executive officer, ATR.
“As we work together on further improvements to the PW127XT-M, we are shaping the technologies that will drive the next generation of regional aircraft – a key step in the feasibility study for the ATR ‘EVO’ concept.”
