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Top 4 Aviation news of December

Pratt & Whitney obtained FAA certification for its GTF engine on the Airbus A321XLR, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney partnered with Dutch companies to advance sustainable aviation with green technologies. In addition, Collins presented its advanced avionics to improve the safety and efficiency of Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft. Jet AI innovated in private aviation with the fractional-ownership pre-sale of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2.



1. Pratt & Whitney receives FAA certification for its GTF engine on the A321XLR


Pratt & Whitney Canada , a division of RTX, has received FAA certification for its GTF engine, which will power the new Airbus A321XLR, optimized for long-range flights. The approval granted on December 12, updated the certification of the PW1100G-JM to include this higher-capacity, longer-range variant. This milestone underscores the success of the GTF engines, which have transformed the efficiency of the A320neo fleet.


The GTF engine promises 20% greater fuel efficiency, saving billions of gallons and reducing emissions by 20 million metric tons. In addition, the GTF advantage model, which will be available in 2025, will further improve performance with 8% more thrust and an extra 1% in fuel savings.


With 217 A321XLRs equipped with GTF engines, airlines such as JetBlue. Air Canada and Qantas are leading the adoption of this technology. The A321XLR, with its increased range and capacity, offers airlines new opportunities for global expansion.


2.Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney join forces with Dutch companies to boost sustainable aviation


In a decisive step toward a greener future for aviation, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, two RTX subsidiaries, have entered into a strategic alliance with the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG) to develop sustainable aviation technologies. The agreement, which was materialized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), promises to accelerate innovation in key areas such as advanced materials, green propulsion and aircraft electrification.


This joint effort will focus on creating new solutions from thermoplastic composite structures to hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, with the goal of reducing the industry's carbon footprint. In addition, in-depth studies will be conducted on energy management and environmental sustainability, essential sectors for the future of commercial air travel.


Although the MOU does not yet reveal which Dutch companies will be directly involved, the NAG has confirmed its participation in the “Luchvaart in Transitie” (Aviation in Transit) initiative, a project that seeks to transform aviation towards greater sustainability.


Juan Manuel de Bedout , RTX Chief Technology Officer, underlined the importance of this agreement, noting that “reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry is a challenge that will mark an era”. With more than a century of RTX presence in the Netherlands, this new collaboration further strengthens the strategic relationship between U.S. companies and the European aerospace ecosystem.


The aviation industry is on the verge of a historic transformation, and this international alliance is destined to be a milestone on the road to a greener and more efficient future.

People in suits gathered for a photo
Photo taken from RTX

3.Collins Aerospace revolutionizes aircraft safety and efficiency with state-of-the-art avionics


Collins Aerospace part of RTX, has launched an innovative avionics upgrade program for Beechcraft King Air and Hawker aircraft equipped with advanced Pro Line Fusion and Pro Line 21 systems, which not only optimizes performance and safety, but also eases pilot workload, improves situational awareness and increases operational efficiency.


Notable upgrades include the integration of Pro Line Fusion into the King Air 200 and 300 models, and significant enhancements to the Hawker 750, 800 and 900 series. These innovations enable pilots to operate more easily in complex airspace, with intuitive touchscreens and state-of-the-art navigation features. Collins Aerospace says this technological advancement will transform the flying experience, providing a safer and more connected environment for operators.


display and commands of an aircraft
Proline Fusion - Aeroespacial central

4. JetAI revolutionizes private aviation with Cessna Citation CJ4 gen 2 fractional ownership pre-sale


Jet AI has marked a milestone in the private aviation sector by announcing the launch of the fractional ownership pre-sale of the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2, scheduled for delivery in 2026. This ambitious program is part of the company's fleet expansion, which follows the recent order of three CJ4 aircraft from Textron Aviation  significantly increasing its service and range capabilities.


The fractional ownership program will allow customers access to a high-end aircraft, with a range of 2,000 nautical miles and guaranteed nationwide availability. In addition, Jet AI offers the option to interchange between different aircraft models within its fleet, which includes aircraft such as the King Air 350i, Citation CJ4 and HondaJets. This innovative service promises to respond to the growing demand for more flexible travel options and high performance.


“Our customers have been asking us for a larger aircraft with a national presence, and we have finally answered this demand,” said Mike Winston,founder and CEO of Jet AI.


In addition to its aeronautical offer. Jet AI also stands out in the technological arena with its CharterGPT application, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize private flight bookings, improving the user experience. The company, with its sights set on the future, will continue to expand its fleet of super-midsize aircraft, consolidating its position as a leader in innovation within private aviation.


Citation CJ4 aircraft
Photo taken Textron Aviation

Rodrigo Perdomo Gutiérrez de Piñeres

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