Air New Zealand has chosen the Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM engine for its order of 13 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft due for delivery from 2017.
The geared turbofan engines will be maintained at the Christchurch Engine Centre, a joint-venture between Air NZ and Pratt & Whitney that was established 15 years ago and currently employs 300 staff.
Air NZ chief operations officer Bruce Parton said the Christchurch Engine Cenre would be one of the first facilities in the world to offer maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the new generation engines.
“The centre has successfully established world class services to overhaul the current V2500 engines on our A320 fleet,” Parton said in a statement on Friday.
“Today’s announcement will secure the centre’s long-term future which is wonderful news for staff and for Christchurch.”
Christchurch Engine Centre general manager Graham Jack said Friday’s announcement “provides confidence in a long term future and growth prospect for the Christchurch Engine Centre”.
Pratt & Whitney Aftermarket president Matthew Bromberg said Air NZ’s engine choice built on the company’s existing commitment with the airline on its current A320 fleet.
“The Christchurch Engine Centre also gains the opportunity to develop further capability to support this world leading geared turbine technology engine,” Bromberg said.
“With the Christchurch Engine Center’s stellar customer service track record, we know our geared turbofan engine customers will be well served.”
