HOUTEN, Netherlands, Nov 14, 2025 – Pratt & Whitney opened European Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC), a research facility focused on propulsion technologies for commercial aircraft. ETIC supports work on gas turbine, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen propulsion systems and expands collaboration with academic partners in Netherlands and across Europe.
“As an independent innovation center dedicated to cutting edge technology research, ETIC is a first-of-a-kind facility for Pratt & Whitney in Europe, complementing our existing engineering centers in North America, Poland, and across the globe,” said Michael Thacker, senior vice president, engineering and technology, Pratt & Whitney. “We see significant potential to grow our activities in the Netherlands, given its strong engineering talent pool and long history of aerospace technology innovation, as well as the exceptional opportunities for collaboration between industry, academia and government agencies.”
ETIC is based at Collins Aerospace’s European innovation hub in Houten and strengthens RTX’s involvement in the Dutch aerospace sector. The effort builds on recent agreements with the Netherlands Aerospace Group and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Pratt & Whitney also secured office space at TU Delft’s aerospace innovation hub to support collaboration in South Holland.
“We are thrilled to take this next step in our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney. Working directly with their new team in Houten will strengthen our partnership, and their dedicated office space at the Aerospace Innovation Hub@TUD on the TU Delft Campus will give them seamless access to our innovation ecosystem,” said Professor Henri Werij, Dean of the faculty of aerospace engineering, TU Delft. “Close collaboration with leading aerospace companies is crucial for developing technologies required to enable a sustainable future of aviation – and to shape the talent that will drive our industry forward.”
“I am pleased to see the realization of initiatives like Pratt & Whitney’s European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands,” said Tjerk Opmeer, deputy director-general for business and innovation, ministry of economic affairs. “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.”
RTX has 21,000 employees across 65 European sites, including about 300 in Netherlands at three Collins Aerospace locations. Pratt & Whitney employs more than 7,000 people in Europe, most at engineering, manufacturing and maintenance facilities in Poland.
Source: RTX
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, founded in 1925, is an aerospace manufacturer based in East Hartford, CT, and part of RTX Corp. The company designs, builds, and services aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for commercial and military aviation, as well as gas turbines for industrial, marine, and power generation uses. More than 90,000 of its engines are in service across 200 countries, supporting about 17,000 customers worldwide. The customers of Pratt & Whitney includes airlines, the U.S. military, international air forces, commercial and regional aircraft operators, and industrial users of gas turbine power.
About RTX
RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is a global aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems, products and services. It specializes in aircraft engines, avionics, cybersecurity solutions and defense systems, serving the aerospace, defense, intelligence and security sectors. With a history spanning more than a century, RTX combines expertise from its predecessor companies to support technological development. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company employs about 185,000 people worldwide. Its clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Collins Aerospace, Airbus and Boeing. RTX supports commercial and military programs by focusing on safety, performance and efficiency, while addressing operational challenges across multiple sectors.