RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Launches European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands
Working with the Dutch aerospace ecosystem, the U.S.-based company will develop sustainable technologies for the aviation sector
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of U.S.-based aerospace and technology leader RTX, has unveiled its plans for a new European Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC) in the Netherlands. Set to open in mid-2025, the facility will be co-located in Houten at the European Innovation Hub of Collins Aerospace, another RTX business. The move strengthens RTX’s presence in the Netherlands’ aerospace ecosystem – collaborating with Dutch and European partners, Pratt & Whitney will develop next-generation advanced propulsion and alternative fuel technologies at the ETIC to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for the aviation sector.
“Our new European Technology and Innovation Center will be a path to access the exceptional engineering talent and opportunities for collaboration both in the Netherlands and across Europe,” said Frank Preli, Vice President of Technology at Pratt & Whitney. “A team of Pratt & Whitney innovators based at the ETIC will contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies for achieving greater propulsion efficiency and reduced emissions in future aircraft, whether powered by conventional or alternative aviation fuels, including hydrogen.”
“I am pleased to see initiatives like Pratt & Whitney’s European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands,” added Tjerk Opmeer, deputy director-general for business and innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands. “This center has the possibility to enhance our shared vision for accelerating sustainable aviation through innovation and international collaboration. We are committed to support these transformative efforts.”
Leveraging the Dutch ‘triple helix’ for innovation
In particular, Pratt & Whitney saw the Netherlands’ unique ‘triple helix’ approach to collaboration as a major reason to establish the ETIC in Houten and grow RTX’s Dutch presence. By fostering strong partnerships between industry, government and knowledge institutions, the country’s innovation ecosystem provides fertile ground for Pratt & Whitney to accelerate its research & development efforts. This shared ethos of collaboration is displayed by RTX’s existing partnerships in the Netherlands.
In 2024, Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands Aerospace Group, outlining initiatives to advance commercial aviation technology research through industry, government and academia collaboration. The two RTX businesses also entered a master agreement with Delft University of Technology to work with graduate students and academic staff on multiple research projects – a sign of confidence in the Dutch talent pool for aerospace innovation. In fact, RTX already employs 270 workers across its sites in the Netherlands and plans to deepen its investment in the local workforce as Pratt & Whitney’s ETIC grows.
With support from Invest in Holland, Pratt & Whitney looks to future growth
Along with the collaborative environment and access to talent, the Netherlands’ strategic location, focus on advanced manufacturing, emphasis on sustainability and transparent regulatory landscape make it an ideal base for Pratt & Whitney to grow its European presence.
When it came time to expand, the company received support from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, Invest in Holland partner InnovationQuarter – the economic development agency for the Aerospace Delta region – and a wider network of Dutch triple helix partners. As a result, Pratt & Whitney is poised to reach new heights in sustainable aviation technology and contribute to the dynamic Dutch aerospace ecosystem as RTX expands its work in the Netherlands.
Source: RTX
29 January 2025