Rolls-Royce and UTC abandon join venture plans for new engines
Rolls-Royce and United Technologies – the owners of rival Pratt & Whitney - have abandoned plans to form a partnership to develop engines for mid-size aircraft.
In October 2011, Rolls-Royce and UTC, announced their intention to form a new joint venture to develop an engine to power future mid-size aircraft (120-230 passenger aircraft).
AT the time analysts said the move resolved rumours of a breakdown between the two companies in their IAE engines venture which saw Rolls-Royce selling its interest.
The venture was intended to study geared turbofan and open rotor technology along with other types of engine configurations but today in a statement Rolls-Royce said: “Following further discussion, and because of the current regulatory environment, the parties have agreed not to proceed with the partnership. Rolls-Royce remains fully committed to this important market segment and will continue to invest in technologies that will enable us to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.”
