Coping with engine emissions

Pratt & Whitney addresses both noise- and pollutant-emissions concerns in both its new and current engine platforms.

Noise and pollutant emissions play a large role in many of the research and development activities ongoing at Pratt & Whitney's Advanced Developments Division, mainly because international regulators are becoming more aggressive toward reducing noise and pollutant emissions-sometimes through restricted airport access or fees to the airlines operating noncompliant aircraft. In addition, the growth in air travel around the globe has brought these issues to the forefront. Air travel growth has forced airports to expand into populated areas, creating more public calls for reduced noise.

For airliners to remain profitable, they must maintain easy access to multiple markets while keeping their costs low. Therefore, much focus has been given to emissions, particularly from the aircraft and engine manufacturer.