RTX is well positioned to help address the climate change crisis thanks to the size and scale of our company, the ingenuity of our people and our history of rising to meet generational challenges.

We support the Air Transportation Action Group’s declaration, signed by Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, that global civil aviation operations will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As an aerospace and defense manufacturer, we are taking action to reduce emissions through the products we design, develop, manufacture and support. Our innovative technologies include:

Improving engine fuel efficiency

airplane mechanic next to a Pratt & Whitney engine

Pratt & Whitney's new GTF Advantage engine uses geared turbofan technology to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 17% compared to prior best-in-class engines.

Advancing hybrid electric propulsion

De Havilland Hybrid Electric propeller aircraft in flight

We are working to increase the fuel efficiency of conventional gas turbine engines by feeding them supplemental power from electric motors and batteries, taking what has already proven a great success for automotive manufacturers and adapting it for aircraft engines.

Supporting sustainable aviation fuels

Hand holding a vial containing an alternate aviation fuel source

Sustainable aviation fuels, or SAFs, are alternatives to fossil fuels. SAFs include biofuels, which are made from agricultural products that absorb carbon dioxide before they’re harvested. On a net basis, these fuels could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Pratt & Whitney has been active in SAF testing and certification for almost two decades, and its modern engines are compatible with the approved 50% SAF blend.

Developing hydrogen propulsion concepts

environment

Pratt & Whitney first demonstrated a hydrogen-burning aircraft engine, which produces no carbon emissions, in the 1950s. Today, we are developing concepts for next-generation hydrogen engines and reimagining airframes to meet the engineering challenge of properly storing the fuel.

Evolving lighter-weight, energy-efficient systems

inside airplane cabin passenger seats

Making aircraft lighter can improve their fuel efficiency, increase their payload capacity and extend their range. Key efforts across our businesses to reduce aircraft weight include leveraging advanced lightweight materials and composites for structural elements that range from engine nacelles to cabin seats. We are also focused on improving energy efficiency in aircraft equipment.

Optimizing routes and operations

Air traffic control tower

We are optimizing air traffic and flight operations to improve aircraft fuel economy. This will allow for flight trajectories to follow near-optimal routes, at near-optimal altitudes and speeds during all phases of flight, which will reduce delays, fuel consumption and emissions.