Kingfisher Airlines chooses Pratt & Whitney's PW4000 Engine for A330s

Pratt & Whitney has been selected by Kingfisher Airlines of India to power its new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft.

The deal includes 10 PW4000-100" installed engines, one spare and an option for an additional 10 engines. Pratt & Whitney also was awarded a long-term exclusive fleet management programme (FMP) to overhaul and repair Kingfisher's PW4000 engines. The total transaction is valued at $300 million, plus an additional $200 million if all options are exercised.

"After a very detailed analysis of all the engine offers for the A330, we decided that Pratt & Whitney gave us the best total solution and met all our technical requirements," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and chief executive officer, Kingfisher Airlines Limited. "Kingfisher has chosen Pratt & Whitney to power our fleet of A320/A319s, ATR72s and A330s because of their ability to support our airline's vision to consistently deliver a safe, value-based and enjoyable travel experience to all our guests."

Kingfisher Airlines, India's newest and one of the fastest growing airlines, began operations in May 2005 with a new fleet of V2500-powered A320 and A319 aircraft. Today the airline operates 14 aircraft connecting 17 key business and leisure destinations with more than 86 daily flights across India. Deliveries of the new A330s are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2007.

The PW4000-100" engine -- model number PW4168A -- was designed specifically for the Airbus A330 aircraft. Today, more than 2,700 PW4000 family engines are in service with 90 million hours of cumulative service experience.

Kingfisher will also be the first customer for the PW4000 Advantage70 upgrade. The engine upgrade, developed for the PW4168A, which powers A330 aircraft, will improve engine performance, increase durability and reduce maintenance costs.

The Advantage70 is a bundle of technology enhancements. A new high- pressure compressor (HPC) ring case, based on the highly successful designs used on other PW4000 models that power 747 and 777 aircraft, will lower fuel consumption and extend maintenance intervals. New high-pressure turbine (HPT) technologies will improve the durability of this key module and extend the engine's time on wing. An improved TALON II combustor will further improve durability.

Software enhancements also are available, including an improved FADEC system and an enhanced Advanced Diagnostic Engine Management (ADEM) system. The new FADEC systems allow pilots more flexibility in matching take-off and climb thrust power with specific flight requirements. The upgraded ADEM system improves the ability to analyse engine performance data, providing better input for more effective maintenance planning.

The Pratt & Whitney Advantage70 is scheduled for certification in 2008. At that time, new engines delivered to Kingfisher Airlines will incorporate the upgrade, and PW4000 engines already in operation will be upgraded during their first maintenance shop visit.

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