Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A turboprop family has accumulated 1 million flight hours in agricultural and firefighting aircraft, a milestone that underscores the engine’s durability and the company’s robust support network. The achievement is based on roughly 5,000 engines that have been fielded worldwide and reflects the cumulative operational experience of the PT6A line in demanding, high‑usage environments.
The PT6A is one of eight models developed for aerial applications and has been certified since 1977. RTX maintains a global service footprint of more than 55 facilities in 25 countries, ensuring rapid access to parts and technical assistance for operators. The engine’s proven reliability—illustrated by a 1‑in‑651,126‑hour in‑flight shutdown rate in 2016—has helped sustain high utilization rates and a strong aftermarket business.
This operational milestone feeds directly into RTX’s commercial aerospace segment, which grew 12 % year‑over‑year in Q3 2025 to $22.5 billion in sales and saw Pratt Canada’s aftermarket revenue rise 23 %. The PT6A’s track record of reliability and the extensive support network reinforce customer confidence, driving repeat purchases of spare parts and maintenance services that underpin the company’s profitability.
Beyond the PT6A, the broader PT6 family has logged more than 500 million flight hours since its 1964 debut and has produced over 64,000 engines worldwide. The 1 million‑hour mark for the agricultural and firefighting subset highlights the engine’s continued relevance in niche markets while demonstrating the scalability of RTX’s engineering and service capabilities across diverse aviation sectors.
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