In a heartwarming display of international collaboration and commitment to sustainable aviation, Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX, has officially opened its European Technology and Innovation Centre in the Netherlands. This groundbreaking facility represents a beacon of hope for the future of environmentally conscious air travel.

The new centre, affectionately known as ETIC, stands as Pratt & Whitney's first independent innovation facility of its kind in Europe. Located in the charming town of Houten, it joins forces with Collins Aerospace's existing European Innovation Hub, creating a powerhouse of creative thinking and technological advancement.

What makes this development truly special is its mission: researching and developing advanced propulsion technologies that will make commercial aircraft more energy-efficient and sustainable. The brilliant engineers and researchers at ETIC are focusing on exciting frontiers including advanced gas turbine systems, hybrid-electric propulsion, and even hydrogen-powered flight – technologies that could revolutionize how we travel while protecting our planet.

Michael Thacker, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Pratt & Whitney, expressed genuine enthusiasm about the centre's potential. He highlighted the Netherlands' impressive engineering talent pool and its rich history of aerospace innovation as key reasons for choosing this location. The country's collaborative spirit between industry, academia, and government creates the perfect environment for breakthrough discoveries.

The opening of ETIC builds upon RTX's growing relationship with the Dutch aerospace community, which now includes 300 dedicated employees across three locations. Recent partnerships with the Netherlands Aerospace Group and the prestigious Delft University of Technology have laid strong foundations for meaningful collaboration. Pratt & Whitney has even secured office space at TU Delft's Aerospace Innovation Hub, ensuring seamless connections with some of Europe's brightest aerospace minds.

Professor Henri Werij, Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft, warmly welcomed this partnership, emphasizing how working directly with industry leaders is essential for developing sustainable aviation technologies and nurturing the next generation of aerospace talent. This human-centered approach to innovation promises not just technological advances, but also inspiring career opportunities for aspiring engineers.

Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director-General for Business and Innovation at the Netherlands' Ministry of Economic Affairs, celebrated the initiative as a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The centre joins RTX's impressive European network of 21,000 employees across 65 locations, with Pratt & Whitney already supporting over 7,000 positions throughout Europe. This expansion demonstrates RTX's genuine commitment to European innovation and job creation.

As this exciting new chapter unfolds, ETIC stands as a symbol of what's possible when talented people come together with shared purpose. The centre's work promises to help shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for aviation, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore our world while preserving it for those who come after us.