Pratt & Whitney Signs F135 Depot Activation Contract with AIM Norway

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show – Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. UTX company, has signed a depot activation contract with Aerospace Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Norway to establish a Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, & Upgrade (MRO&U) capability for the F135 engine which powers the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.

This initial contract will include planning and management activities required for depot activation in 2018. Follow-on contracts are expected in support of the establishment of F135 depot capabilities, including assembly, disassembly, cleaning, inspection and testing at the AIM Norway facility located in Gardermoen, Norway.

"We have a long standing relationship with Pratt & Whitney and we are honored they have chosen to partner with AIM Norway for depot activation support for the F135 engine," said Ove Haukassveen, CEO, AIM Norway. "This agreement represents an important milestone for AIM Norway as we work to establish a capable and affordable sustainment solution which we intend to offer the Norwegian and the wider international F-35 fleet."

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with AIM Norway for depot activation support for the F135 engine. It is a testament to the continuing long-term international cooperation between Pratt & Whitney and AIM Norway," said Bennett Croswell, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "As we prepare for an increase in F135 engine production, we are actively seeking partners like AIM Norway who demonstrate the high levels of technical capabilities that are required to support the F135. Pratt & Whitney is committed to establishing international F135 engine support. AIM Norway's participation in MRO&U of aircraft and aircraft systems will be a valuable part of this effort."

Norwegian Deputy Armaments Director John Laugerud welcomes the contract and looks forward to seeing the depot taking form in the years to come.

"Norwegian industry has already established itself within the F-35 program in areas that have a potential value of several billion dollars throughout the production run," said Laugerud. "We hope that through this early investment, Norwegian industry will also be given the opportunity to become a trusted best-value provider for regional sustainment of the F-35."

Norway joined the F-35 program as a partner in the System Development and Demonstration phase in 2002. In November 2008, the Norwegian government chose the F-35 as the replacement for the F-16 fleet. So far the Norwegian Parliament has authorized 16 of the 52 jets planned, with the first jets to be delivered in 2015.

About AIM Norway
AIM Norway provides maintenance, repair, and modification services for aircraft, helicopters, components and field equipment to the Norwegian Armed Forces and other military and civilian organizations. AIM Norway includes a total of 450 employees, divided in 22 different production units, including aircraft maintenance, powerplant maintenance, maintenance of electronic components and mechanical processes. To learn more about AIM Norway, visit its website at www.aimnorway.com.

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, auxiliary and ground power units, and small turbojet propulsion products. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans and availability of funding, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corps.' Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Matthew Bates
Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
Mobile: +1-860-371-9857
Matthew.Bates@pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney