TRJet teams with Pratt & Whitney Canada for production of first regional aircraft

An important step has been taken for the manufacturing of Turkey's first regional aircraft. On that note, a memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday between the executives of TRJet and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

The agreement on plans to be used in P&WC Canada's PW306B engines for the new TRJet aircraft involves the Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) German-based subsidiary 328 Support Services GmbH (328), the current type certificate holder and a major partner in TRJet's 328 aircraft production.

"The collaboration between TRJet and P&WC, a world-leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, illustrates the proven technology and aviation expertise behind the 328 and 628 aircraft series," said Cem Uğur, an executive officer for TRJet.

Work on the PW306B engine for the TRJet 32-passenger 328 aircraft series will begin at P&WC's facility in Longueuil, Quebec in 2016, kicking off a production schedule that will culminate in production and flight of the first TRJ328™ aircraft by 2019. During this time, work will also be underway on a turboprop engine for the T328 aircraft.

Design activities will be initiated in parallel for the new 628 aircraft series. This aircraft will be a clean sheet design, marking the Republic of Turkey's first domestically-designed passenger airplane. The first flight of the 628 series is anticipated for 2023, in honor of Turkey's centennial.

The D328 is currently certified in 85 nations around the world and is in use in countries including the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, U.K. and Denmark. The versatile and rugged 328 turboprop and jet, with its large cabin comfort, is credited within the industry as a valued, cost-effective performer.

Headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, TRJet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC which supports the Turkish Regional Aircraft Project and the commercial aviation sector.

Making Turkey's first regional aircraft a reality, the project fulfills the need for direct and frequent flights between small Turkish cities which is currently not feasible using larger airplanes. TRJet also supports the growth of Turkey's existing civil aviation industry and will help to introduce the country to the global aviation market, establishing it as an aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), all while contributing significantly to Turkey's economy.