British Airways has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power its next generation of narrow-body aircraft, marking a major commercial win for RTX (NYSE: RTX).
The UK flag carrier has committed to 33 firm orders and 30 option aircraft, all Airbus A320neo jets, with engine deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
Pratt & Whitney will also provide maintenance support through a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement, covering fleet efficiency and cost of ownership optimization.
The deal was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026, one of the aviation industry’s most closely watched annual events.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, hailed the agreement as a significant endorsement of the engine program’s commercial standing.
“Today marks a pivotal moment and a strong vote of confidence in the GTF engine as the UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways, becomes the newest GTF customer,” Deurloo said.
He added that “the GTF engine will help British Airways achieve its international fleet expansion goals and enhance the travel experience for passengers,” citing the engine’s fuel efficiency credentials.
The GTF engine delivers 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint compared to the prior generation of engines, according to Pratt & Whitney.
More than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are currently operated globally by over 90 customers, reflecting the platform’s established position in the commercial aviation market.
The order backlog for GTF engines now stands at over 8,000 units, underscoring sustained demand across the global airline industry for the technology.
Pratt & Whitney also noted that its GTF Advantage engine, expected to enter service later this year, will provide operators up to twice the time on wing alongside industry-leading fuel efficiency.
The GTF Advantage variant will also deliver greater range capability, giving carriers additional operational flexibility as they plan long-term network strategies.
RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion and employs more than 180,000 people worldwide across its aviation and defense businesses.
The Arlington, Virginia-based conglomerate has continued to expand its commercial aviation footprint even as it maintains a significant presence in integrated defense systems and next-generation technology development.
