The Canadian civil aviation regulator, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, has certified Pratt & Whitney’s new PW127XT-M regional turboprop engine that will power new builds of ATR regional transport aircraft. The certification is an important step toward the entry into the service of new and more fuel-efficient ATR aircraft. These improvements will make the regional turboprop even more sustainable.
“The PW127XT-M engine is the new standard for operating economics, maintenance and sustainability for regional aircraft,” said Timothy Swail, Vice President, Regional Aviation and APU Product Marketing & Sales for Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Pratt & Whitney Canada is a business unit of Pratt & Whitney.
“We worked closely with ATR earlier this year on the flight testing of our new PW127XT-M and the previous generation PW127M engines using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” Swail added. “Most notably, Braathens Regional Airlines flew one of its ATR 72-600 aircraft using 100% SAF in both its PW127M engines with excellent results.”
The PW127XT-M engine was first revealed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021 and delivers a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency. The engine also offers 40% extended time on the wing and 20% lower maintenance costs.
Pratt & Whitney Canada announced in June that Deutsche Aircraft had selected the PW127XT engine to power its new D328eco. The selected engine model – the PW127XT-S – will be developed according to the D328eco timeline.
Compared to aircraft in the 30-70 passenger regional jet aircraft market, regional turboprops currently boast up to 40% improvement in fuel efficiency for similar missions.