Last week, engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of International Aero Engines AG (IAE). The IAE is a joint venture that was launched in March 1983 and combines the expertise of several engineering and manufacturing companies. Together the IAE team created the infamous V2500 aircraft engine which, at the time, was one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. The newest variants continue to lead the industry as one of the most efficient and cost-effective airplane engines in the single-aisle airliner market.

Historic partnership

When IAE was first formed, the intention was to bring many of the best minds together to create an airplane engine that would drive the industry into a new era of efficiency. The team did just that when it made the IAE V2500. The engine was notably quieter and more efficient than any aircraft engine in the same class on the market. Pratt & Whitney has noted that this major achievement was only made possible because of the help it received from its IAE partners: Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

Over the past four decades, the partnership has seen multiple generations of creative minds work towards improving the engine, enabling it to remain in service today as one of the most used aircraft engines in the world. Pratt & Whitney hopes the partnership will remain strong and persist for many more decades.

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Remarkable engine

The historic IAE V2500 engine revolutionized its class of engines when it entered service in the 1980s. Just one year after completion, the V2500 project won the bid to be placed on the new Airbus A320ceo aircraft. In 1989, it entered commercial service with Adria Airways. The engine turned many heads as it was far quieter and more efficient than other engines and soon additional aircraft were being equipped with the V2500. Airbus has been and continues to be IAE's largest customer.

Soon after the engine gained publicity, other manufacturers began copying many of the V2500's traits. With other manufacturers following the IAE's footsteps, the V2500 ushered in a new era in aviation. The engine would grow to become one of the most successful aircraft engines in history. Over 7,800 have been produced, and over 3,500 aircraft remain in service with the powerplants today. Its efficiency has contributed to carbon emission reduction efforts, and the engine is rated to run on 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), making it a leader in sustainability.

The partnership plans to continue improving the engine and hopes that it will stay in service through 2045. The President of IAE and Vice President of Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, Earl Exum, stated,

"The V2500 is a workhorse of the aviation industry and has grown into one of the most successful commercial aerospace programs of all time. The V2500 wouldn't be the triumph it is without our IAE collaborators, customers, and suppliers. With the IAE collaboration agreement extension to 2045 and a substantial fleet of V2500s in service today, this joint venture has secured its standing as a global aviation leader for decades to come."

What do you think of the V2500's legacy? Let us know in the comments below.

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  Pratt & Whitney

  Date Founded:

  1925-01-01

  CEO:

  Christopher Calio

  Headquarters Location:

  East Hartford, United States

  Business Type:

  Engine Maker