Kawasaki Partners in Developing PW1100G-JM Engine for Airbus A320neo

Tokyo, September 28, 2011 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. today announced its decision to collaborate in a program to develop and produce the PW1100G-JM engine that will power the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft. The program has been launched jointly by the U.S.-based Pratt & Whitney, Germany’s MTU Aero Engines AG and Japan Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC) in which Kawasaki is a participating member. This is the same group that has been partnering in International Aero Engines' V2500 program for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft.

Airbus announced that it has already received orders for more than 1,200 A320neo airplanes which come with a choice of two engines. While the engine options for all of these orders have not yet been finalized, the PW1100G-JM engine has been chosen by a host of airline companies that have purchased the A320neo. It will be installed in 60 A320neo’s going to the U.S.-based International Lease Finance Corporation, another 150 for India’s IndiGo, 30 slated for delivery to Germany’s Lufthansa, and an additional 30 for America’s CIT.

The PW1100G-JM is a turbo fan engine equipped with an advanced gear system that enables the engine’s fan to operate at a lower speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system, state-of-the-art composite materials technology, and an advanced core will deliver double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency as well as major reductions in exhaust emissions and engine noise.

As a partner in the PW1100G-JM engine development and production program through the JAEC, Kawasaki holds a 25% share of the JAEC contract (approximately 6% of the entire program). Just as it was in the V2500 program, Kawasaki is responsible for developing and manufacturing the primary parts of the engine’s fan and low-pressure compressor as well as conducting some of the tests needed for obtaining type certification.

Over the last thirty years Kawasaki has participated under the JAEC banner in a number of international collaboration programs to develop small and mid-size commercial aircraft. Kawasaki will leverage its wealth of experience to help drive the PW1100G-JM project toward successful development and mass production.

Kawasaki looks forward to continuing to play an active role in joint aircraft engine development and production programs as it builds on the technological and production foundation that will take its aircraft engine business to new heights.