Top 4 Aviation news of May
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- May 30
- 4 min read
Pratt & Whitney launches the more powerful and environmentally friendly GTF Advantage engine for the A320neo family, while Textron Aviation advances certification of the CJ4 Gen 3 business jet and prepares to stand out at the Paris Air Show with versatile aircraft and a strong social commitment. Meanwhile, Garmin expands its air navigation database to the South Pacific, reinforcing its support for safe and globally connected aviation.
1. Pratt & Whitney introduces the GTF Advantage: efficiency, power and sustainability.
Pratt & Whitney introduces the GTF Advantage engine, an enhanced version for the A320neo family that combines efficiency, power and sustainability. This new generation offers up to 8% more takeoff thrust, allowing for increased payload and extended range. It also significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, positioning it as the most efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft.
The GTF Advantage has been validated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel (SAF) and is aligned with the strictest environmental regulations. With more than 100,000 hours of testing and 38 million flight hours accumulated on the GTF family, it guarantees high reliability. Pratt & Whitney will also allow the integration of new components on existing engines to optimize their service life.
This launch reinforces the company's commitment to technological innovation and sustainable aviation, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient future in the airline industry.
2. Textron Aviation achieves key breakthrough with second Cessna Citation CJ4 GEN 3 test flight
Textron Aviation announced the successful first flight of the second test aircraft of the Cessna Citation CJ4 CJ4 Gen 3, known as the P1, an important step in the certification program for this new generation of light business jets.
The flight, piloted by James Bearman and Corey Eckhart lasted three hours and 29 minutes, reaching 45,000 feet altitude and a top speed of 305 knots. Testing focused on advanced avionics and overall systems, with “smooth and seamless” performance, according to Bearman.
This second prototype joins the first, which flew in 2024, and will focus on evaluating avionics, human factors and interiors to achieve certification and entry into service in 2026.
Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation noted that this flight reaffirms the team's commitment to delivering world-class aircraft.
The CJ4 Gen 3 is the first business jet with the Garmin G3000 PRIME suite, designed for single-pilot operation, with a range of 2,165 nautical miles and capacity for 11 occupants. It is also suitable for special missions such as air ambulance and search and rescue.
Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., continues to consolidate its position as a leader in state-of-the-art business jets.
Textron Aviation returns to Paris with innovation and social commitment
Textron Aviation , one of the world's leading aviation companies, will be present at the Paris Air Show from June 16-19. Currently, more than 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft operate in Europe, and in France nearly 200 aircraft fulfill commercial, military and governmental functions, demonstrating their versatility and reliability.
At this edition, Textron will present two special versions of the renowned Beechcraft King Air. One is designed for multi-engine military training, used in air training programs in the United States and Canada. The other version is the multi-mission King Air 360, designed to adapt to all kinds of real-world situations: from carrying patients in a medical emergency, to transporting supplies or supporting surveillance missions from the air. Both models feature advanced technology, such as electro-optical and infrared sensors, cockpits adapted for night vision and intelligent flight monitoring systems.
In addition, Textron will showcase the M-346, an aircraft developed in conjunction with Leonardo to train fighter pilots, which is already in use in six countries, offering a safe and efficient solution for military training.
As part of its social commitment, Textron will showcase a Cessna Grand Caravan EX in partnership with Aviation Without Borders. This aircraft is used to bring humanitarian aid, medical care and logistical support to vulnerable communities around the world.
With its presence in Paris, Textron Aviation not only stands out for its innovation, but also for its commitment to using aviation as a tool to make a positive impact on people's lives.
4. Garmin expands South Pacific air navigation database to include Australia and New Zealand
Garmin has announced the expansion of its air navigation database to include the South Pacific region, encompassing Australia, New Zealand and neighboring countries. This update expands the scope of a key resource previously only available to pilots and aircraft operators in the Americas and Europe.
The database provides accurate data for navigation during departure, en-route, arrival and approach stages, currently covering more than 20 countries and 2,500 airports.
This growth is in response to the increased need for complete solutions for commercial and general aviation in the region.
“Customers now have the option of a comprehensive and convenient Garmin database solution that gives pilots the information they need at a cost-effective price,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin's vice president of aviation sales, marketing, programs and support.
The database is available for a variety of the company's products, including integrated cockpits, navigators, flight displays and handheld devices. Users can access updates individually or through OnePak packages and subscriptions.
Highlights include verified landing zones in Australia and visual reporting points in New Zealand, designed to facilitate visual navigation (VFR) tailored to local needs.
Regional customization is one of the main attractions of this solution, which reinforces Garmin's commitment to flight safety and efficiency.
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