Pratt & Whitney Launches Sustainable Aviation Hub in Netherlands
Houten, Friday, 24 January 2025.
Pratt & Whitney is establishing a European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands to develop energy-efficient aviation technologies, enhancing collaboration with European aerospace partners.
Strategic Location and Timeline
The European Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC) will be strategically positioned in Houten, Netherlands, co-located with RTX’s Collins Aerospace’s existing European Innovation Hub [1][2]. The facility is scheduled to commence operations in mid-2025 [1][2], marking a significant expansion of RTX’s European presence, which currently encompasses approximately 22,000 employees across 60 locations in Europe [2].
Focus on Sustainable Aviation
Frank Preli, Vice President of Technology at Pratt & Whitney, emphasizes that the ETIC team will concentrate on developing cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving propulsion efficiency and reducing emissions in future aircraft [1][2]. The center’s scope includes research on both conventional and alternative aviation fuels, including hydrogen-powered solutions [1]. This initiative aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable aviation technologies and environmental responsibility [GPT].
Collaborative Framework
In December 2024, RTX established crucial partnerships by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG) [1]. This agreement provides a strategic framework for collaboration on technology research and development. Additionally, a master research agreement with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) was secured, facilitating enhanced collaboration with graduate students and academic staff on multiple research projects [1][2].
Dutch Government Support
The initiative has received strong support from the Dutch government, with Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director-General for Business and Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, expressing enthusiasm for the center’s potential to accelerate sustainable aviation through innovation and international collaboration [2]. The facility will begin with a core team of engineers and scientists, with the capacity to expand based on program development requirements [1][2].