PW, RR agree to joint venture

Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney announce an agreement to form a new partnership to power future mid-size aircraft (120 to 230 passengers). The two companies will establish a joint venture company, in which each will hold an equal share, to develop new engines for the next generation of aircraft that will replace the existing mid-size fleet. The prediction is a need for nearly 45,000 engines over the next 20 years. (Source: Business Wire, 10/12/11) Gulf Coast note: Rolls Royce tests jet engines and Pratt & Whitney assembles and tests rocket engines at Stennis Space Center, Miss.; Pratt & Whitney is part of United Technologies, which is buying Goodrich Corp. Goodrich’s Alabama Service Center is in Foley, Ala.; RR and PWR competitor GE Aviation is building a composites parts center near Hattiesburg, Miss.