Pratt & Whitney, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), is expanding its engine inspection operations through the acquisition of Amsterdam-based Aiir Innovations.
The deal brings AI-assisted borescope software into Pratt & Whitney’s global maintenance, repair and overhaul infrastructure for commercial, civil and military engines.
Borescope inspections involve inserting a camera into an engine to examine internal components without full disassembly, a critical step in aircraft maintenance programs.
The AI software applies artificial intelligence to borescope video, enabling faster and more repeatable assessments across Pratt & Whitney’s inspection network worldwide.
Rob Griffiths, senior vice president of Commercial Engines Operations at Pratt & Whitney, described the acquisition as a significant operational shift for the company.
“Broadening the integration of AI-assisted inspection capability strengthens our ability to detect issues earlier, improve turnaround times, increase time on wing and reduce operational disruption for our customers,” Griffiths said.
Griffiths added that the technology “will fundamentally reshape how engines and components are inspected, maintained and supported throughout their lifecycle, as we increase its application across Pratt & Whitney.”
The software has already been rolled out to commercial customers and MRO providers, with results showing significantly reduced inspection times across operations.
Pratt & Whitney has applied the technology on the V2500 engine and recently completed pilots on the GTF and F135 engines, with plans to broaden its use across the company.
The system adapts to inspector feedback over time, improving its classification performance and aligning more closely with real-world engineering expertise as usage grows.
Configurable reporting capabilities allow processes that once required substantial time to be completed in minutes, with improvements in quality, consistency, traceability and accuracy.
RTX, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion and employs more than 180,000 people across its global operations.
Pratt & Whitney supports more than 90,000 in-service engines through its global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, serving military and commercial aviation customers alike.
