Aerospace

Pratt & Whitney awarded $66 million for F135 Engine Core Upgrade work

A $66 million definitized contract modification for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade preliminary design work has been granted to Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company. This brings the total amount of funding for this engine modernization project that the Connecticut congressional delegation has obtained to $180 million.

The funds will also help with design engineering, programme management assistance, technological maturation, risk mitigation, the purchase of long-lead hardware, and the integration of weapons systems.

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Jen Latka, vice president of Pratt & Whitney for the F135 programme, stated, “We’re incredibly appreciative of the constant support we receive from the entire Connecticut delegation. We’ll use this financing to forward our Engine Core Upgrade’s preliminary design work quickly, which will keep us on schedule to start delivering this critical capability in 2028.

The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy decided to improve the F135 rather than get a brand-new engine in March 2023. The choice was made public as a part of President Biden’s budget proposal for 2024.

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“A modernized F-35 needs a modernized engine to support it. The additional $66 million for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade we’ve secured will help us maintain a skilled work force in Connecticut and around the country to deliver this much-needed capability,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Upgrading the F135 is the right decision to support our national defense priorities and defense industrial base, and I’ll continue to ensure this program gets the support and funding it needs.”

All international F-35 operators can reach Block 4 capability more quickly, more affordably, and with less risk by using the F135 ECU. By preventing disruptive and expensive air vehicle upgrades and utilising the current global sustainment infrastructure, it is optimised for all three F-35 variants and will result in lifecycle cost savings of $40 billion.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.