Top 5 Aviation news of June

Pratt & Whitney introduced an upgrade for its GTF engines that nearly doubles the time between maintenance, while its Canadian subsidiary successfully advances hybrid-electric propulsion for regional flights. Textron and GE Aerospace transform flight monitoring on business jets with real-time data, and Hartzell extends the warranty on its King Air propellers to 6 years or 4000 hours. In addition, Sweden will be the guest of honor at F-AIR Colombia 2025, with a high-level delegation bringing the best of its aerospace and technological innovation.

1. New Pratt & Whitney upgrade extends life of GTFs

At the Paris Air Show, Pratt & Whitney introduced Hot Section Plus (HS+), a new upgrade option that promises to revolutionize the performance of the PW1100G-JM engine used on Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Thanks to technology derived from the GTF Advantage, this upgrade will enable operators to nearly double in-flight time before maintenance, incorporating up to 95% of the new model's durability advances.

The upgrade, which can be applied during regular carve visits starting in 2026, requires only about 35 new parts and will be fully compatible with current versions of the engine.

“With HS+, we take a big step in efficiency and operational confidence for our customers,” said Nick Tomassetti, vice president of Sales & Marketing.

The GTF engine is already recognized as the most efficient engine in the single-aisle aircraft market, and now, with HS+, the future of business aviation will be even more cost-effective and sustainable.

2. The sustainable air revolution takes off with a bang: Pratt & Whitney Canada reaches a key milestone in hybrid-electric flight

The future of sustainable flight is getting closer. Pratt & Whitney Canada has achieved a key milestone by operating for the first time at full power its hybrid-electric propulsion system, which promises to reduce fuel consumption in regional turboprops by up to 30%.

This breakthrough comes as part of the RTX Hybrid - Electric Flight Demonstrator Project, which brings together the best of engineering from Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace and other leading companies such as AeroTec, de Havilland Canada and H55. The system combines an efficient thermal engine with a 1-megawatt electric motor and state-of-the-art batteries.

While ground testing continues in Quebec, the team is preparing for flight tests on an experimental Dash 8-100. “This is a decisive step towards a cleaner sky,” said Jean Thomassin, of Pratt &Whitney Canadá.

With this technology, the industry is taking a firm step towards cleaner, more efficient and environmentally responsible regional flights.

Photo taken from: Pratt & Whitney

 3. Safety and Real-Time Data: Textron and GE Aerospace Transform Flight Monitoring

Textron Aviation  is taking another step into the future of business aviation by announcing an alliance with GE Aerospace that will allow operators of Cessna Citation and Cessna SkyCourier jets to transfer their flight data directly to the C-FOQA system, without the need for additional hardware.

Thanks to the integration of the LinxUs AReS system, customers now have more options to monitor their flights, respond in real time to any eventuality and strengthen operational safety. “We are always looking for ways to improve the ownership experience,” said Brian Rohloff , Textron Aviation's senior vice president of customer service.

This advancement reflects the company's commitment to innovation, allowing operators to choose from four leading data monitoring providers. With more than 300 service centers and more than 40 mobile units worldwide, Textron Aviation continues to raise the standard of service in the air and on the ground.

photo taken from Textron Aviation

4. Good news for King Air operators Hartzell propeller extends its industry-leading Warranty

Hartzer Propeller, part of Signia Aerospace and a world leader in advanced propellers, announced a historic extension of its propeller warranty for Raisbeck Engineering packages. Now, customers purchasing new Hartzell propellers with Raisbeck upgrades for King Air aircraft will be covered until your first overhaul: 6 years or 4000 flight hours, whichever comes first.

This upgrade applies to all Raisbeck configurations: from original engine propellers to advanced 5-blade composite propellers, giving operators an unprecedented combination of performance, confidence and technical support.

 “The new warranty reflects our confidence in Hartzell propeller technology and joint commitment to safety and customer satisfaction,” noted leaders from both companies. With this upgrade, flying a King Air has never been more reliable.

5-blade propellers

5. Sweden lands at F-AIR Colombia 2025 as guest of honor country

The countdown to F-AIR Colombia 2025 has already begun and brings great news: Sweden will be the guest of honor at this new edition of the fair, a symbol of the strong bilateral relationship with Colombia.

The event will be attended by the Swedish Minister of Defense, Pal Jonson, who will head the official delegation that will actively participate in the academic, business and cultural spaces.

Among the most awaited moments is the visit of astronaut Marcus Wandt, who will share his experience in the International Space Station. The conferences of Gripen pilots such as Jussi Halmetoja and Anna Dellham, the first woman to pilot this aircraft, will also shine.

The Swedish delegation will bring a showcase of innovation in aviation, sustainability and defense technology, with companies such as Saab, Securitas, Ericsson and Midsummer, as well as two prestigious universities. Visitors will be able to explore everything from climate change drones to flight simulators and state-of-the-art aviation safety solutions.

And for families, Sweden will offer free creative workshops to bring young and old closer to the world of science and aeronautics.