Pratt & Whitney beats out GE in Embraer deal

Pratt & Whitney was selected by aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA to build the engines that will equip the second generation of Embraer’s E-series model, the companies announced Jan. 8.

The new aircraft are scheduled to enter into service in 2018. More than 900 of Embraer’s first generation E-series model are currently in use, and are powered by engines designed and manufactured by Fairfield-based General Electric Co.

The companies said the Pratt & Whitney engines would offer reduced fuel use, emissions, noise and operating costs compared to the engines currently used by Embraer’s E-series.

Pratt & Whitney, based in East Hartford, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which is parent company of Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.