A century of driving aviation forward: Pratt & Whitney celebrates 100 years alongside Central Aerospace, its strategic partner in the region

On July 22, the aviation industry celebrated a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney, one of the most influential companies in the evolution of aircraft propulsion. Founded in 1925 by Frederick B. Rentschler in Hartford, Connecticut, the company was born with the vision of revolutionizing aircraft engine design. Its first major achievement was not long in coming: the R-1340 Wasp, a radial engine that debuted on Christmas Eve of that same year, soon caught the attention of the U.S. Navy, which in October 1926 ordered 200 units after successfully passing naval tests.

Since then, Pratt & Whitney has become synonymous with innovation, reliability, and technological excellence. Today, more than 85,000 of its engines are in operation around the world, powering commercial, executive, and military aircraft.

From pioneer to global leader

Over the course of a century, the company has evolved from radial engines to state-of-the-art turbofans and turboprops, expanding into the development of industrial energy solutions. Today, it is part of RTX Corporation, one of the largest aerospace corporations on the planet, with revenues exceeding $28 billion in 2024 and more than 43,000 employees. Its leadership in the sector is overwhelming: a 35% share of the global civil engine market.

One of Pratt & Whitney's major strategic successes in recent years has been the development of its network of Designated Maintenance Facilities (DMF), certified centers offering line maintenance, inspections, and mobile repairs under the highest OEM standards. This network has made it possible to decentralize technical service, bringing it closer to operators in their own regions, with significant benefits in terms of time, costs, and efficiency.

Celebrating 100 years of Pratt & Whitney

Central Aerospace: a key partner for Latin America

In this global support ecosystem, Central Aerospace stands out as a strategic ally in Latin America. Since November 27, 2020, it has been officially certified as a Pratt & Whitney Canada DMF for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. From its headquarters in Bogotá, this company provides specialized maintenance, inspection, and repair services for engines such as the iconic PT6A, the PW120 and PW123, as well as the JT15D turbofan, among other models widely used in the region.

In addition to its role as a DMF, Central Aerospace also operates as an Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Textron Aviation and as an authorized center for major manufacturers such as Collins Aerospace, Thales, and Safran. This technical versatility has allowed it to position itself as a benchmark for trust and quality in regional aircraft maintenance.

Thanks to its certification, Central Aerospace can offer a hybrid service capability: interventions with OEM standards without the need to send engines to the United States or Canada. This represents a significant competitive advantage for local operators, who can access specialized technical support without sacrificing time or resources.

Caravan 208

A legacy that continues to fly high

Pratt & Whitney's centennial is not only a celebration of its past, but also a reaffirmation of its vision for the future. Its commitment to innovation and service remains strong, and in regions such as Latin America, having strategic partners such as Central Aerospace ensures that this legacy continues to expand steadily.

Central Aerospace represents much more than a maintenance center for Colombia and Ecuador: it is a local extension of Pratt & Whitney's global standard of excellence. Its work ensures the operational continuity of aircraft, boosts crew confidence, and strengthens the technical fabric of aviation in our region.

One hundred years after its founding, Pratt & Whitney continues to set the course for aircraft propulsion. Its partnership with Central Aerospace in Colombia and Ecuador reflects a focus on close, reliable, and efficient service. Together, they celebrate a century of history and look to the future with the same determination that powered their first engine.

Happy 100th anniversary, Pratt & Whitney! May you continue to fly high.