Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW150B Engine Selected for China's Y8F600 Aircraft.

Business Editors

ZHUHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2002

China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today that they have signed agreement for the installation of the PW150B engine on the Y8F600 aircraft program. The aircraft development program has been launched and aircraft certification is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2005.

The Y8 is a four-engine medium transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Shaanxi Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of AVIC II. It has a maximum take-off weight of 61 tonnes and maximum payload of 20 tonnes. The Y-8 series includes 16 successfully developed versions, with a total of 90 aircraft produced and sold. It is mainly used in general transport and postal aviation.

AVIC II has chosen the PW150B in their strategy to widen the Y-8 market, further improve operational performance and reduce direct operating costs. The PW150B engine will power AVIC II's new Y8F600 model. The PW150 is a latest-technology engine developed based on the PW100 engine family's 74 million hours of flight experience.

Fitted with the PW150B, Y8F600 will offer improved take-off performance at "hot and high" airports and high altitude cruise performance, extended engine service lives, and lower engine operating and maintenance costs. In addition, noise levels will be reduced and meet stringent airport noise restrictions. The Y8F600 will also be fitted with modern industry standard civil cargo handling systems. With aircraft MTOW increased to 65 tonnes, the Y-8F600 will have broad market appeal and sales of more than 100 aircraft is expected.

"AVIC II has already established good cooperation with P&WC. I hope that both parties will attain further success through theY8 re-engine program," said Dr. Zhang Yanzhong, President of AVIC II.

China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) is a large state-owned aviation industrial group engaged in the development and manufacture of aircraft for markets such as the transport, trainer and helicopter markets. AVIC II has become the main supplier of China's domestic aviation market. AVIC II takes full use of its own advantages, focuses on the development of aircraft and automobiles and actively takes part in international cooperation.

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in aviation engines powering business and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut.