Airbus and Pratt & Whitney to test Geared Turbofan concept

As part of Airbus' routine and on-going research into new technologies for the long term, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney announce an agreement to flight test a technology demonstrator version of Pratt & Whitney's new Geared TurbofanTM engine. The tests will be performed on Airbus' own A340 Flight Test aircraft during the fourth quarter of 2008. The trials are an example of Airbus' commitment, as an eco-efficient company, to look at all new technologies and innovations that could potentially bring environmental and economic benefits to the aviation sector for the longer term. The Geared Turbofan engine is one option Airbus is testing and the results will contribute to Airbus' overall assessment of the different new engine technologies proposed by the engine manufacturers and the benefits they could bring for the future. At this point in time, the tests do not imply either a technological or a business decision on future product developments. As an eco-efficient enterprise, Airbus provides leadership by delivering responsible solutions that address today's concerns, so the aviation sector can continue to prosper with less impact on the environment. Airbus is the first aeronautics company in the world to have earned the ISO 14001 environmental certification for all production sites and for the entire life cycle of all products.