Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tigerair Taiwan to supply GTF engines for 15 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft. The agreement covers four firm aircraft and 11 leased aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
Pratt & Whitney will also provide engine maintenance through a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement. The program is designed to give Tigerair Taiwan more predictable maintenance costs while supporting engine availability and operational efficiency.
The selection extends a relationship that began when Tigerair Taiwan launched operations in 2014. Pratt & Whitney currently powers the airline’s entire fleet.
Tigerair Taiwan operates nine Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by GTF engines. It also operates nine Airbus A320ceo aircraft equipped with IAE V2500 engines.
The Airbus A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family and can accommodate more passengers than the A320neo. Adding the aircraft is expected to support Tigerair Taiwan’s regional expansion while reducing operating costs on a per-seat basis.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF is a geared turbofan engine that allows the engine fan and turbine to operate at different speeds. This architecture is designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise and provide a foundation for future propulsion technologies.
Pratt & Whitney said the GTF offers 20% lower fuel consumption and a 75% smaller noise footprint compared with the previous generation of engines. Actual performance can vary depending on aircraft configuration, route and operating conditions.
More than 2,800 GTF-powered aircraft are currently operated by over 90 customers worldwide. Pratt & Whitney also has a backlog of more than 8,000 GTF engines.
Tigerair Taiwan is Taiwan’s first and only low-cost airline. The carrier operates routes across Asia and plans to use the new A321neo aircraft to serve more passengers and destinations.
The agreement reinforces Pratt & Whitney’s role as Tigerair Taiwan’s exclusive engine provider. It also gives the airline long-term maintenance support as it introduces a larger narrow-body aircraft into its fleet.
KEY QUOTES:
“This latest GTF order reaffirms Tigerair Taiwan’s trust in Pratt & Whitney, which exclusively powers the airline’s fleet. The GTF engine will continue to enable Tigerair Taiwan’s regional fleet expansion while delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency.”
Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney
“Pratt & Whitney has been a trusted partner since we began operations in 2014. Our new A321neo fleet, powered by the GTF engine, will advance our next phase of growth, as we continue to serve more passengers across more destinations with a lower cost per seat.”
Joyce Huang, Chairperson of Tigerair Taiwan
