US carrier JetBlue has amended an existing order to more than double the number of Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines for its Airbus A320neo family of aircraft.
The agreement provides for the purchase and exclusive maintenance of the engines on all 85 of the New York-based airline’s A320neo aircraft, with delivery beginning in 2019. The airline said it had “amended and restated” its 2012 order for the engines.
Under the terms of the new deal, the GTF engine will now power JetBlue’s total fleet of 85 A320neos – 40 previously awarded in 2012 and now an additional 45 aircraft, as well as 13 spare PW1100G-JM engines. The agreement also covers exclusive maintenance for JetBlue’s A320neo fleet, which are scheduled for delivery beginning next year.
“The result of our comprehensive competitive bidding process cements a great long-term partnership between JetBlue and Pratt & Whitney,” said Steve Priest, executive vice-president and CFO at JetBlue. “We are confident we’ve made an excellent choice to power our Airbus NEO fleet, and in doing so are supporting our structural cost programme.”
“This agreement is an investment in the future of our fleet. Pratt & Whitney has done an outstanding job developing a next generation engine for the Airbus A320neo family and has a proven record for service and support,” added Jeff Martin, JetBlue’s executive vice-president operations. “By bringing the latest engine technology, these engines will allow us to maximise aircraft performance and efficiency, while minimising both costs and our carbon footprint.”
“We appreciate JetBlue’s continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney with the selection of the GTF engine and our EngineWise aftermarket services,” said Chris Calio, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We’ve been working with JetBlue and supporting them with our V2500 engines since they started operations in 2000. We look forward to powering their continued success for years to come.”
