Pratt & Whitney is introducing Hot Section Plus (HS+), an upgrade option for the PW1100G-JM engine that powers the Airbus A320neo aircraft family. Derived from the Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage engine, which will offer twice the time on wing of today’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engine, HS+ will provide 90 to 95% of the GTF Advantage’s durability benefits.
“HS+ brings the durability improvements of the GTF Advantage hot section to today’s GTF engine,” said Nick Tomassetti, vice president, Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney. “Customers operating the current GTF engine model will have the opportunity to nearly double time on wing.”
HS+ includes only about 35 part numbers and will be incorporated during maintenance visits. The option will be available to customers for purchase, with installations starting in 2026. GTF engines with HS+ will be fully intermixable and interchangeable with both the current GTF and GTF Advantage engine models, simplifying operations with a combined fleet.
The GTF Advantage features the most state-of-the-art hot section in the single-aisle market. In the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the enhancements include an advanced airfoil design with improved coatings. The HPT and combustor also feature optimised cooling hole size, shape and location, with improved hole drilling techniques to reduce oxidation.
Frontier Airlines selects GTF engines to power 91 Airbus A321neo aircraft
Pratt & Whitney and Frontier Airlines announced the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power 91 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first of these aircraft currently scheduled for delivery in Q4 2026. Pratt & Whitney will also provide Frontier Airlines with engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement. This latest order will bring the airline’s total commitment to 235 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft, including already delivered aircraft.
“Four years ago, we welcomed Frontier Airlines to the Pratt & Whitney GTF family and this selection demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the GTF engine,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “With this latest order, Frontier will continue to realize the benefits of the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and we will continue to support Frontier and their operations in the coming decades.”
Frontier Airlines has the largest and youngest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. “We are pleased to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney to power these 91 new aircraft that will join the rapidly growing Frontier fleet in the coming years,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines. “Our modern, highly fuel-efficient fleet is integral to The New Frontier, our customer-centric brand transformation that is proving affordable prices and an exceptional travel experience can fly hand in hand. The GTF engine also plays an important role in our continued commitment to being America’s Greenest Airline.”
Cebu Pacific signs long-term engine maintenance deal
Pratt & Whitney and Cebu Pacific (CEB) have signed a long-term EngineWise comprehensive maintenance services agreement for the airline’s GTF engine fleet. This agreement aligns Cebu Pacific’s maintenance costs to the utilisation of the airline’s engines.
“The agreement reflects our ongoing collaboration with Cebu Pacific to optimise the reliability and efficiency of their fleet,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “It underscores our commitment to enabling our customer’s network expansion and growth.”
The 12-year agreement provides comprehensive support for the GTF engines Cebu Pacific ordered in 2024. This includes the historic order of engines for up to 152 A321neo aircraft announced in July 2024 along with the engines for the 15 A320neo family aircraft that was announced in February 2024.
Through Pratt & Whitney’s fleet management programs, the airline gains access to technical expertise, fleet data, and business intelligence – ensuring greater transparency and predictability in maintenance planning.
“Maintaining the performance and efficiency of our fleet is a top priority,” said Mike Szucs, chief executive officer of Cebu Pacific. “The GTF engine has enabled up to 20% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation engines – translating into meaningful savings in fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduced operating costs. This agreement strengthens our ability to scale sustainably while continuing to deliver on our commitments to passengers.”
Currently, Cebu Pacific operates 56 Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft. Prior to GTF engines, Pratt & Whitney supplied JT8D engines for the airline’s DC-9 aircraft fleet. Pratt & Whitney and Cebu Pacific’s relationship extends back to the 1990s.
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