Pratt & Whitney adds European centre for sustainable aviation

The Netherlands-based facility will develop advanced propulsion technologies to improve efficiency and reduce aircraft emissions.

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney is establishing a European Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC) in Houten, Netherlands, to advance energy-efficient and sustainable aviation technologies. Co-located at RTX’s Collins existing Aerospace European Innovation Hub, the centre aims to support collaboration within the Dutch and European aerospace sector.

A team of engineers and scientists at the centre will focus on propulsion efficiency and emissions reduction in future aircraft, working on solutions for conventional and alternative fuels, including hydrogen. The ETIC aligns with RTX’s broader European aerospace initiatives, including a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands Aerospace Group and a research agreement with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

“Our new European Technology and Innovation Center will be a path to access the exceptional engineering talent and opportunities for collaboration both in the Netherlands and across Europe,” says Frank Preli, vice president of technology at Pratt & Whitney.

The ETIC is expected to open in mid-2025 with an initial team of engineers and scientists, with plans to scale depending on development needs.