Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corporation, has announced that it has a strong order book of 600 new-generation Geared Turbofan (GTF) technology aircraft engines from three airlines in India, accounting for nearly a tenth of the global order book.
“This is just an indication of the strong aviation market in India and the potential this market holds for the company. The orders have been from IndiGo, GoAir and Air Costa. And most of the airliners have been our customers over the years,” said Mary Ellen S Jones the company’s Vice-President [Commercial Engines, Sales] for Asia-Pacific and China.
“We have booked orders for 7,000 GTF engines and India is amongst the biggest markets for us over the years. Therefore, we are committed to strengthening our base by setting up a training centre in India,” she said.
Palash Roy Chowdhury, Country Manager, Pratt & Whitney, said: “The Indian aviation market is projected to grow over the years at a CAGR of over 10 per cent. Barely two per cent of the total population currently utilise the airline facility.”
The India Training Centre, set up close to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, is the corporation’s third facility, after Connecticut in the US and Beijing in China.
The training facility is expected to play a critical role in supporting its growing customer base in India as it supplies engines to power new aircraft.