United Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine to power 70 Airbus A321neo and 50 A321XLR firm aircraft orders with the deliveries expected this year.

Commenting on the long-lasting partnership, Rick Deurloo, President, Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney said: “United and Pratt & Whitney share a celebrated history as pioneers of commercial air travel, as well as a commitment to more sustainable aviation as we look forward. GTF engines will enable United to get the most out of their A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, delivering industry leading payload, range and environmental performance for those aircraft types.”

United and Pratt & Whitney began their relationship more than 90 years ago as part of United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, together with Boeing, flying Boeing Model 40 aircraft with a single Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine.

Today Pratt & Whitney powers more than 250 United aircraft, including the Airbus A320ceo family with V2500 engines and the Boeing 777 and 767 aircraft with PW4000 engines.