Pratt & Whitney, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has acquired Amsterdam-based Aiir Innovations to expand artificial intelligence use across its aircraft engine inspection and maintenance operations.
The deal, announced on July 15, 2026, brings AI-assisted software into Pratt & Whitney’s global maintenance network, covering commercial, civil and military engine programs.
Aiir Innovations has developed software that applies artificial intelligence to borescope inspection footage, helping engineers identify potential issues more quickly and with greater consistency.
The technology has already been adopted by commercial customers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers, where it has meaningfully reduced engine inspection times.
Pratt & Whitney has deployed the software on the V2500 engine and completed pilot programs for its GTF and F135 engine families, with plans to roll it out across additional engine programs.
The AI platform improves over time by incorporating feedback from inspectors, becoming more accurate and increasingly aligned with real-world expertise.
The software also includes customizable reporting tools, allowing processes that previously required substantial manual effort to be completed within minutes while delivering greater consistency and traceability.
Rob Griffiths, Senior Vice President of Commercial Engines Operations at Pratt & Whitney, said: “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 added that the technology “will fundamentally reshape how engines and components are inspected, maintained and supported throughout their lifecycle” as the company increases its application across Pratt & Whitney.
The acquisition reflects RTX’s broader push to embed artificial intelligence into core operational processes, reducing aircraft downtime and enhancing performance for both airline and defense customers worldwide.
Pratt & Whitney did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction, leaving the purchase price undisclosed as of the announcement date.
