RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada and Gulfstream successfully complete first 100% SAF transatlantic flight with G600 business jet powered by PW800 engines

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Nov 20, 2023, 13:35 ET

Pioneering flight supports aviation industry's goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions

LONGUEUIL, Quebec, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Canada and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the successful completion of the first transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with both PW815GA engines on a Gulfstream business jet. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

The PW800 engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada (PRNewsfoto/RTX)

"Collaborating with airframe manufacturers such as Gulfstream is an important part of our long-standing efforts to ensure SAF compatibility across all our engines, which have already been certified to operate with up to 50% SAF blends for more than a decade," said Anthony Rossi, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. "With this transatlantic flight, we are effectively demonstrating both engine and aircraft functionality in a fully operational setting to support future specifications for 100% SAF, which will be critical to achieving a more sustainable future of net-zero CO₂ emissions for aviation in the decades ahead. Future 100% SAF operational approval will add to the versatility, reliability, and fuel efficiency of the PW815GA engine to benefit Gulfstream and our customers."

The Gulfstream G600 flew on Nov. 19 from Savannah, Georgia to Farnborough, United Kingdom, with both engines powered by 100% Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (neat HEFA), which has at least 70% lower lifecycle CO₂emissions than fossil-based jet fuel. The SAF used on the flight was produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services.

"For more than a decade, we have worked closely with Pratt & Whitney Canada to power a new generation of our business jets using the PW800 engine," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "The G600 entered service in 2019 powered by twin PW815GA engines and the aircraft has consistently delivered on our promises to our customers. The performance of the aircraft on the first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF showcases our commitment to leading the industry in sustainability innovation through new aircraft and propulsion technologies, while promoting environmentally responsible practices."

Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have achieved more than one billion hours of flight across the entire fleet since the introduction of the PT6 turboprop engine in 1963. The PW800 engine family has contributed more than 330,000 hours towards this milestone which underscores the trust and confidence placed of aircraft operators worldwide. Read more about Pratt & Whitney's history of innovation here.

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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SOURCE RTX