MHI’s GTF Advantage Aero Engine Obtains Federal Aviation Administration Certification

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Aero Engine’s (MHIAEL) GTF Advantage model for the Airbus A320neo aircraft. MHIAEL will begin delivering GTF-equipped A320neo aircraft in late 2025. The aviation engine was developed in partnership with the Japanese Aero Engines Corp. (JAEC) and a global joint venture, International Aero Engines (IAE), founded by Pratt & Whitney, MTU Aero Engines, and JAEC.

MHIAEL manufactured the combustion module within the GTF’s high-temperature section and assumes responsibility for ongoing engine maintenance. Upon full commercialization, the engine will feature enhanced durability and lengthened time-on-wing, enabled by redesigned life-limited parts and improvements in gas-pass technology.

Also, the GTF Advantage engine offers:

• Increased payload capacity
• Extended flight range
• Additional take-off thrust
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Lower CO₂ emissions

In other transportation-based developments, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. recently agreed to supply three methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships to be constructed at the Enoura Plant, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works. The RORO vessels were ordered by Toyofuji Shipping, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun, and Nichitoku Kisen, with completion and delivery scheduled for 2028.

The RORO uses a dual-fuel engine that fires methanol and heavy fuel oil, improving fuel efficiency with MHI’s energy-saving system that combines high-efficiency propellers and rudders to minimize resistance. It also features a windscreen and vertical stem at the bow to reduce propulsion resistance. Mitsubishi’s engines may reduce CO₂ emissions per unit by over 20% in contrast to Toyofuji Shipping’s heavy fuel oil ships, lessening environmental impact.

Also, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Namura Shipbuilding developed a large-scale, ammonia-fired ammonia carrier and obtained approval in principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Prior to approval, ClassNK evaluated basic design drawings and performed a hazard identification study, both of which exceeded the detail necessary for typical AiPs.

The vessel will be bigger than modern very large gas carrier/very large ammonia carrier (VLGC/VLAC) models, improving marine transport efficiency. Its ammonia engine is intended to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This ship design also satisfies Japan’s port entry restrictions at major power plants and ensures compatibility between ammonia loading/unloading terminals and cargo handling connections equivalent to current VLGCs.

MHI Turbine News

In late February 2025, Mitsubishi Power successfully delivered its hydrogen-ready M701 JAC gas turbine to Aluminum Bahrain’s (Alba) Power Station 5 Block 4 combined-cycle power plant, completing the project one month ahead of schedule. The company also signed a long-term service agreement to ensure the gas turbine’s availability, reliability, and performance, allowing Alba to leverage uninterrupted power generation for aluminum production and domestic industrial growth.

The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) also awarded Mitsubishi Power a contract to supply two M701 JAC gas turbines and auxiliary equipment for its Al Wahda Open-Cycle Power Plant in Ouazzane, Morocco. The company also signed a long-term service agreement with ONEE for parts provision, repairs, and services, reinforcing the equipment’s high availability and reliability. The plant is expected to begin operation in 2027. Once operational, the plant's two gas turbines will generate a combined 990 MW, representing nearly 7% of Morocco's national grid capacity.