SHANGHAI - Pratt & Whitney, a leading aircraft engine manufacturer, said it is talking with Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) about manufacturing its latest engine models in China.
"Both AVIC and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) showed great interest towards our latest engine model, or PurePower PW1000G, and we are looking to build extensive cooperation by setting up a joint venture with AVIC, in particular to produce engine components within the country," said David Hess, president of Pratt & Whitney, an arm of United Technologies Corp.
The setup of a joint venture will meet domestic demand and overseas orders, said Hess.
The Connecticut-based engine maker's new engine model is still being tested, but the company has already received orders for up to 400 engines.
P&W owns a considerable share of the Chinese market. China is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, with a total of 1,400 aircraft in operation across the nation.
The engine can save more than 16 percent of an aircraft's fuel and reduce emissions by half compared to regular aircraft engines. "The engine model, which will start trial operation in 2013, is expected to save $1.5 million annually in cost for every single aircraft," said Hess.
