FAA Certifies PW1100G-JM Engine for Airbus A320neo

Tokyo, December 22, 2014 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that the PW1100G-JM engine, which it has been jointly developing as a member of Japanese Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC) along with the U.S.-based Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines AG, has been issued type certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 19, 2014. The PW1100G-JM engine is to be used on the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft.

The international development program was launched in 2011 by International Aero Engines (IAE), a joint company established by P&W, JAEC, and MTU. 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 advanced component technology will deliver improvement in fuel efficiency as well as reductions in exhaust emissions and engine noise.

As a partner in the PW1100G-JM engine development and production program, Kawasaki holds a 25% share of the JAEC contract (approximately 6% of the entire program) and is responsible for developing, manufacturing, and maintaining the primary components of the low-pressure compressor. Kawasaki’s advanced processing technology plays a huge role in reducing the weight and improving the fuel efficiency of the PW1100G-JM engine.

The state-of-the-art A320neo aircraft that will be powered by the PW1100G-JM have a seating capacity of 120-200, the most popular class in commercial aircraft. The A320neo has already obtained firm orders for approximately 3,800 aircraft, of which some 1,100, or roughly half the orders with an engine selected, will be fitted with the PW1100G-JM.

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