EAST HARTFORD, CONN., Jan. 6, 2020 -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), and Aircalin, the flag carrier airline of New Caledonia, a French territory comprised of islands in the South Pacific, today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A320neo aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The airline committed to purchase two aircraft in 2018.

“The GTF engine was a clear choice in terms of fuel efficiency, service and support when we selected Pratt & Whitney in 2018,” said Didier Tappero, chief executive officer at Aircalin. “We are excited to provide our customers with a quieter, more sustainable flying experience.”

Aircalin currently operates two Viking Air DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines, as well as two Airbus A320ceo aircraft with V2500® engines from IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation, and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.

“Aircalin became a Pratt & Whitney customer in 2000 with the Airbus A310 aircraft and PW4000 engines,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer and senior vice president at Pratt & Whitney. “Now, with Airbus A320neo aircraft and GTF engines, we look forward to delivering industry-leading technology, fuel efficiency and environmental performance to Aircalin.”

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