Pratt and Whitney Pioneers Quieter Jet Engine

Categories: Industry News | News

A quiet innovation in aviation is expected later this month.

Bombardier Aerospace plans to test-fly a new plane with quieter engines from Pratt & Whitney. The companies say the geared turbofan engines are projected to burn 20% less fuel and reduce noise, and Bombardier could be the first to use planes with the quieter engines a year from now.

While airlines would appreciate better fuel efficiency, the promise of quieter flights for passengers and for people on the ground could also allow airlines to land more planes at airports with noise restrictions.

“They’re so quiet as you come in for an approach, if you shut off the engines you can’t tell the difference,” said Alan Epstein, vice president for technology and environment at Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies.

Neighbors of noise-restricted airports are monitoring the development of quieter engines, but they have questions about how they will actually work.

Donald MacGlashan, a board member of the group Citizens for the Abatement of Aircraft Noise, which monitors Dulles and Reagan National airports near Washington, would like a reduction in a regional jet’s noise, but he’s waiting to see the actual results.

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