S7 Airlines might purchase up to 30 PW1100G-JM-powered A320/321neos

The carrier has signed a maintenance contract with Pratt & Whitney (Airbus)

Russian carrier S7 Airlines is understood to be planning to purchase up to 30 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft with PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engines within the next 12 years.

This follows from a powerplant maintenance contract for the respective number of airframes announced by Pratt & Whitney.

The airline has signed up for Pratt & Whitney’s EngineWise program, which involves real-time data analysis. S7 Airlines General Director Vladimir Obyedkov explained that the agreement will help drive the fleet’s operational efficiency. The manufacturer expects the service, which was introduced in April this year, to help it expand its aftersales support market.

S7 Airlines is the launch customer for the A320neo family in Russia. The first two PW1127G-JM-powered aircraft were delivered in July and September this year via Chinese lessor BOC Aviation. As of December 2017, four A320neos were registered with the operator.

According to earlier announcements, S7 Airlines has placed firm orders for a total of 16 A320neos and three Airbus A321neos, but no information was available at the time about the engine choice. The airline did not respond to Russian Aviation Insider’s request for comment.