British Airways shows confidence in P&W's GTF engine with agreement covering over 60 jets

British Airways signaled confidence in Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine by selecting the PW1100G GTF for as many as 63 Airbus A320neo jets, a move following IAG’s earlier preference for the rival Leap-1A. The carrier, along with other IAG operators Iberia and Aer Lingus, previously used CFM International Leap-1As across its A320neo-family fleet. IAG chose the GTF in 2017 for part of a large A320neo order assigned to Spanish low-cost operator Vueling, after technical issues surfaced during development. The GTF later faced durability problems and required an extensive rectification effort. Deliveries to British Airways are set to begin next year, with the airline selecting the engine for 33 firm aircraft plus 30 options. Pratt & Whitney commercial engines president Rick Deurloo called the decision a “strong vote of confidence,” and British Airways will receive maintenance support under a 12-year comprehensive services agreement.