TAMPA, FLORIDA — Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies business, and Frontier Airlines welcomed the arrival of the carrier's first Airbus A321neo aircraft, outfitted with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, at a celebration at Tampa International Airport.
In recognition of the companies' relationship, Frontier asked Pratt & Whitney employees to name the first three aircraft. The first plane was named "Frederick the Bald Eagle" in honor of the company's founder Frederick B. Rentschler, recognizing the nearly 100-year history of the engine maker. The aircraft features Pratt & Whitney's hallmark bald eagle on the tail and marks the first of 144 A320neo family aircraft – 134 purchased and ten leased – for which Frontier has selected the GTF engine. In the coming months, Frontier will reveal two additional aircraft named after other Pratt & Whitney pioneers, each with its own unique tail design.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, joined Frontier President and CEO Barry Biffle, along with employees and distinguished guests, at TampaInternational Airport to mark the occasion and the shared commitment to a more sustainable future.
"Our employees are the true trailblazers, who are committed to developing the transformative technologies that will allow the industry to achieve its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050," said Deurloo. "For the flying public, the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine means a focus on environmental responsibility with less fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and lower noise – keeping fares low and contributing to quieter flights and cleaner communities."
"We are thrilled to welcome our first A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney's groundbreaking GTF engines, to the Frontier fleet," said Biffle. "Frontier is already America's Greenest Airline based on our young, highly fuel-efficient fleet, and these new aircraft will take us to the next level in terms of operational efficiency and a further lessening of our environmental footprint. The operational performance offered by these aircraft will generate savings that can be passed on to our customers, helping us continue to deliver on our mission of providing 'Low Fares Done Right' across America and beyond."
GTF-powered aircraft reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 16% to 20%, NOx emissions by 50% and noise footprint by 75%.* Certified for operation on 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and successfully tested on 100% SAF, the engines are capable of further reductions in carbon emissions, which will help the aviation industry meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
