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Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A Engines Surpass 100,000 Flight Hours on Saudi Air Force PC-21 Trainers

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A Engines Surpass 100,000 Flight Hours on Saudi Air Force PC-21 Trainers
Pratt & Whitney Canada, a subsidiary of RTX, has reached a significant operational milestone with the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) fleet of Pilatus PC-21 trainers. The 54-aircraft fleet, powered by the company’s PT6A turboprop engines, has collectively surpassed 100,000 flight hours. This achievement highlights the PT6A’s longstanding reputation for reliability and robust performance in demanding military training environments.
Enduring Reliability in Military Training
Anthony Rossi, vice president of Customer Service at Pratt & Whitney Canada, emphasized the engine’s versatility and dependable performance, noting its extensive use in both commercial and defense aviation worldwide. He underscored the critical role of the Pilatus PC-21 in advanced military pilot training and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the RSAF fleet to ensure safe, reliable, and mission-ready operations.
This milestone further solidifies the PT6 engine family as a benchmark platform for turboprop-powered military, training, and general aviation missions globally. Pratt & Whitney Canada continues to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East through long-term partnerships, investments in local capabilities, and the development of regional support infrastructure. The company’s comprehensive global support network offers maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services alongside technical and customer support, all aimed at sustaining mission readiness and long-term fleet performance.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the PT6A’s success with the RSAF underscores Pratt & Whitney’s expertise in engine reliability, the company has encountered challenges with newer engine models. The introduction of the PW1000G geared turbofan has been accompanied by production delays and increased scrutiny from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration due to quality concerns. These issues have resulted in a rise in shop visits and inspection programs, particularly affecting the PW1000G and V2500 engines, and have driven anticipated high-single-digit growth in MRO activity.
Despite these hurdles, Pratt & Whitney remains focused on enhancing engine reliability across its portfolio. The company projects a full recovery from the recent GTF recall by the end of the decade, reaffirming its dedication to supporting both legacy and next-generation engines for customers worldwide.
The achievement of 100,000 flight hours on the RSAF’s PC-21 trainers stands as a testament to the enduring reliability of the PT6A engine, even as Pratt & Whitney navigates the complexities of introducing new technologies and maintaining rigorous standards across its product lines.

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