Pratt & Whitney sets up Bengaluru R&D centre for aircraft engines

The company mentioned that the first batch of employees for the R&D center, named India Digital Capability Center (IDCC), is currently being recruited. This initiative constitutes a "multi-million dollar investment," and by the year 2027, the center is projected to have a workforce of over 300 employees.

IDCC will be situated in close proximity to PW's engineering and supply chain operations centers. PW operates as part of RTX, recognized as the world's largest aerospace and defense company.

The establishment of IDCC will facilitate extensive collaboration with other RTX (Raytheon) entities in India, including Collins Aerospace and RTX Enterprise Services.

In recent Indian news, GoFirst attributed its financial challenges to PW, accusing the engine manufacturer of causing its cash crunch. The insolvent airline claimed that approximately half of its 54 aircraft were grounded in May of the previous year due to a delay in engine supply from the US-based company. Furthermore, IndiGo is currently grappling with PW engine issues, with more than one-fifth of its aircraft fleet grounded. As a response, it is anticipated that IndiGo will introduce several B737 Max aircraft on lease for the first time.

Ashmita Sethi, the President & Country Head of Pratt & Whitney, India UTCIPL (United Technologies Corporation India), remarked on Tuesday, "With $40 million already invested in engineering and supply chain operations centers in the past two years, Pratt & Whitney continues to expand its presence and contribution to India?s aerospace ecosystem with this additional multi-million-dollar investment in the IDCC."

Rahul Dharni, Vice President & Global Chief Information Officer at Pratt & Whitney, expressed, "The expansion of Pratt & Whitney?s digital technology presence in Bengaluru will enable us to leverage India?s aviation and technology talent and expedite our digital transformation."