United takes first A321XLR with GTF Advantage engines

United Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage engines, marking the latest step in the airlines’ long-standing relationship.

Pratt & Whitney, a unit of RTX, said the new engine offers improved efficiency, durability and additional thrust for the long-range A321XLR.

The GTF Advantage features an upgraded hot section and is designed to deliver up to twice the time on wing of the current GTF engine, as well as 4% to 8% more take-off thrust, Pratt & Whitney said.

The increased thrust is intended to support longer-range operations, while the new engine remains fully interchangeable with the existing GTF model, allowing airlines such as United to operate mixed fleets.

Pratt & Whitney plans to transition its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the GTF Advantage specification by 2028.