Textron Aviation improves aircraft connectivity with Starlink, offering high-speed internet in remote areas. Pratt & Whitney Canada advances sustainability with a hydrogen combustion project on its PW127XT engine. Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand expand their Christchurch engine center with a $150 million investment, and Raisbeck Engineering and CIES develop more accurate fuel probes for the Cessna Caravan, improving safety and reducing operating costs.
1. Textron Aviation enhances aircraft connectivity with Starlink
Textron Aviation has announced a new high-speed connectivity solution for its Beecraft King Air 200 and 300 turboprop aircraft, as well as the Cessna Citation 560XL family of aircraft. This upgrade comes on the heels of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) obtaining a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), allowing the installation of high-speed internet technology through Starlink.
The system connects to the DE Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation providing more reliable connectivity, even in remote areas where traditional onboard Wi-Fi does not reach. With this advancement, Beechcraft Cessna and Hawker customers now have factory-direct support and maintenance, thanks to Textron Aviation's global network of service centers available 24/7.
2.Pratt & Whitney Canada Advances Sustainable Aviation in Hydrogen Combustion Technology
Pratt & Whitney announced its participation in an innovative project to test hydrogen combustion technology on its PW127XT turboprop engine for regional aircraft. This Canadian initiative is part of Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) and is being carried out in collaboration with Next Hydrogen Solutions, which will design high efficiency, low-cost electrolyzers for hydrogen production.
Edward Hoskin vice president of Engineering for Pratt & Whitney Canada, underscored the importance of this project by assuring that it will advance the technologies necessary for the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft. He added that this initiative complements their sustainability efforts, including hybrid-electric propulsion and improved engine efficiency.
The first phase of the project, called Hyades, will focus on testing the fuel nozzles and the hydrogen combustion system, with the goal of evaluating full engine performance in future phases. The PW127XT, launched in 2021, already stands out for its improvements in fuel efficiency, maintenance times and cost reduction.
Raveel Afzaal, CFA CFA, president of Next Hydrogen Solutions, highlighted the relevance of green hydrogen in reducing CO2 emissions in aviation, a key step towards a more sustainable industry.
3.Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand begin expansion of Christchurch Engine Center with $150 million investment
With a groundbreaking ceremony, Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand broke ground on the expansion of the Christchurch Engine Centre in New Zealand. This 14,000-square-meter project will involve an investment of $150 million and will increase Pratt & Whitney GTF engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, with a target of 140 overhauls per year by 2032.
The expansion will enable the facility, which has been in operation since 2001, to service GTF engines, known for their efficiency and sustainability, and the first overhauls are expected to begin in 2026. In addition, the project will create 200 new jobs in the region and strengthen Air New Zealand's service infrastructure.
This development also reflects the growth of the airline's Airbus fleet, which will receive 4 new aircraft over the next 3 years. Local authorities and representatives of both companies highlighted the positive impact on the region's economy and industrial capacity.
4.Raisbeck Engineering and CIES collaborate to improve fuel accuracy on the Cessna Caravan
Raisbeck Engineering and CIES have announced a collaboration to develop next-generation fuel probes for the Cessna Caravan. Scheduled for release in early 2025, these new probes promise to improve accuracy in fuel quantity measurement, which will increase safety and reduce operating costs.
The collaboration combines Raisbeck's expertise in aeronautical modifications with CIES' advanced sensor technology. The new probes will integrate with current fuel systems, providing operators with more reliable data that will help avoid problems such as overfilling or fuel starvation.
Scott Philiben, president of CIES, noted that the innovation aims to provide a safer and more cost-effective solution for Cessna Caravan operators, who will be able to count on more accurate fuel quantity readings, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Rodrigo Perdomo Gutiérrez de Piñeres
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