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Pratt & Whitney Canada Celebrates Centennial of First Powered Flight in Canada

Pratt & Whitney Canada is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first successful flight of an aircraft in Canada through the support of a number of activities commemorating the landmark event. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) company.

P&WC is a proud sponsor of the 2009 Silver Dart Centennial Celebration, from February 20-24, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first successful flight of an aircraft in Canada. The legendary flight of the Silver Dart took place on February 23rd, 1909 over the frozen waters of Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia.

P&WC was founded 19 years after the inspirational flight of the Silver Dart. "Ever since, we have pioneered many engine development breakthroughs and continue to write new chapters in aviation," said John Saabas, President, P&WC.

P&WC is also a Founding Partner of the Canadian Air & Space Museum in Toronto, which will primarily be dedicated to telling the distinctly Canadian stories of aviation, space history, and innovation. In Ottawa, the company is also sponsoring the launch of a new exhibit called "Canadian Wings: A Century of Flight" at the Canada Aviation Museum.

"As an important player in Canada's aerospace sector, Pratt & Whitney Canada is proud to show its support for special events being held across the country celebrating the birth of Canadian aviation," said Saabas. "All of us at P&WC are inspired by the innovative spirit demonstrated by these aviation pioneers, and are proud to have built on their legacy to help develop Canada's aerospace industry into a global leader."

As the No.1 R&D investor in Canada's aerospace sector, P&WC is continuously looking for new ways to deliver innovative power solutions and value to its customers. P&WC's research efforts are focused on developing green technologies for the future. "We are a world leader in sustainable development," added Saabas. "Our continuing goal is to bring to market greener engines that are designed, produced and operated to minimize any impact on the environment throughout their entire lifecycle."

Pratt & Whitney Canada, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also manufactures auxiliary power units and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.