MONTREAL — — Bombardier Inc. has selected Pratt & Whitney's energy-efficient Geared Turbofan engine to power its proposed C Series aircraft.
The Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer said it chose Pratt, a unit of United Technologies Corp., over its competitors because the new engine design provides the most fuel efficient operation for the 100- to 149-seat aircraft.
The engine, which Pratt claims saves 12 per cent on fuel costs, won't likely be built in Canada. The agreement, which was approved last week, still must be endorsed by the boards of both companies.
In February, Bombardier issued a request for proposals to Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and CFM.
Bombardier will decide whether to go ahead with the C Series by the end of 2008, for a possible entry into service in 2013.
In August, Bombardier said it was focusing on re-evaluating its two-year-old business case for the airplane.
The company signed a $500-million (U.S.) long-term strategic agreement with China Aviation Industry Corp. in June that will make the firm the sole supplier of the airplane's centre fuselage and tailcone.
The wings would be made at Bombardier's facility in Belfast, while the cockpit nose would be built in the Montreal suburb of St. Laurent.
© Canadian Press
