Byline: Eric Gershon
Oct. 10--The technology for Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engine was 20 years in the making. Now there's a buyer.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan picked the geared turbofan to power its twin-engine, single-aisle regional jet, currently in development, Pratt said Tuesday. The deal was announced in Tokyo with Pratt's president, Stephen N. Finger, on hand.
Mitsubishi is both the first aircraft maker to adopt the geared turbofan -- which has been especially promoted for its fuel efficiency -- and the first Japanese company to develop a new commercial jet from scratch in more than 30 years. The plane would seat 70 to 90 passengers. First ...