Pratt & Whitney Canada is dramatically increasing its large turboprop production in response to surging demand driven by high fuel prices. "In 2008 we will do about 40% more than we are doing today," says P&WC regional airline and helicopter engines vice-president Keyvan Fard.
The boom is being driven mainly by increased orders for the ATR 42/72 and Bombardier Dash 8 Q Series families, although additional numbers are flowing though for the EADS Casa C-295 military transport and Chinese-built AVIC I/XAC MA-60. More than 5,800 PW100 engines have so far been delivered and are powering 2,500 aircraft.
Although the large turboprops were recently at relatively low production levels, Fard says the fuel price rise has led to a turboprop market revival. "The market has really picked up for us in the last two years," he says.
The company expects to build around 250 PW100s in 2007. "A couple of years ago we were in the 50-60 aircraft range," says Fard. An upgraded PW127F variant with an additional 4% power, dubbed the PW127M, is in development for ATR and will be certificated by mid-year, he adds.
Source: Flight International
