Pratt & Whitney announced today a definitive agreement with Air China Limited (Air China) and Shenzhen Airlines for 60 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, powered by PurePower Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. The contract with Air China includes a 15-year Pratt & Whitney EngineWise™ Fleet Management Program.

Air China and Pratt & Whitney have a long relationship that extends back to the JT3D-powered 707. Air China currently operates more than 65 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500® engines. Shenzhen Airlines currently operates 41 aircraft powered by the IAE V2500 engine.

"We value our relationship with Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, and thank them for the trust they place in the reliability of Pratt & Whitney engines," said Chris Calio, president, commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. "We look forward to powering and supporting this new fleet of A320neo family aircraft."

Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, regulated emissions by 50 percent lower NOx emissions to the regulatory standard and noise footprint by 75 percent.

Founded in 1988, Air China is China's national flag carrier and a member of the world's largest airline network, Star Alliance.

Established in 1992, Shenzhen Airlines, also a member of the Star Alliance, operates passenger, freight and postal transport.