Netherlands Aerospace Group partners up with industry leader RTX for sustainable aviation
The partnership will focus on pioneering areas such as advanced manufacturing processes, innovative propulsion technologies, and aircraft electrification.
Published on December 13, 2024
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The Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with aviation industry leader RTX to foster collaboration in sustainable aviation research. This strategic partnership involves RTX subsidiaries Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney working alongside Dutch aerospace firms and research institutions. The partnership will focus on pioneering areas such as advanced manufacturing processes, innovative propulsion technologies, including hydrogen and hybrid-electric systems, aircraft electrification, and conducting environmental studies.
RTX stands as a formidable force in global aerospace and defense, with impressive statistics that underscore its industry influence. With more than 185,000 employees worldwide, the company achieved remarkable sales of $69 billion in 2023. Their impact on daily aviation is substantial, supporting 11 million air travel passengers each day, while every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft equipped with RTX technology takes to the skies. The company's reach extends beyond commercial aviation, with approximately 50% of the world's population protected by RTX defense products.
Sustainable aviation focus
The partnership with NAG comes at a crucial time in aviation history, as RTX has demonstrated significant achievements in sustainability. The company has already contributed to saving 1 billion gallons of fuel through its efficient aircraft engines. Through its three main business units - Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon - RTX maintains a strong presence in the Netherlands with three strategic locations in Almere, Houten, and Maastricht. This century-long presence in the Netherlands positions RTX ideally for collaboration with NAG, which represents over 100 members accounting for 95% of the Dutch aviation industry's revenue.
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Research and development synergy
The collaboration has already shown promising developments, with RTX announcing a master research agreement in September 2024 with the Netherlands' Delft University of Technology. This partnership focuses on sustainable aviation-related research opportunities, demonstrating RTX's commitment to the region. With 270 employees in the Netherlands and over 22,000 across Europe, RTX brings substantial resources and expertise to this collaboration. The company's chief technology officer, Juan de Bedout, emphasizes that 'reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint is an era-defining challenge that requires a strong innovation ecosystem.'