How Pratt and Whitney Is Doubling Jet Engine Production in Five Years

The aerospace giant Pratt and Whitney plans to double production of a new and innovative jet engine by 2020. Proper supply-chain management will play a huge role in the success of the venture. Pratt and Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., has orders for more than 7,000 of the new engines, which are more powerful, more fuel-efficient, quieter and result in fewer emissions. The model is the centerpiece of the company's bid to increase its presence in commercial aviation. But success hinges on tight coordination with an army of suppliers upstream, and aircraft manufacturers downstream. On this episode, we're joined by Sam Abdelmalek, vice president of global supply chain, who outlines the company's journey in developing the new engine. It's the product of a decade-long effort, costing billions of dollars. Abdelmalek talks about the challenges that Pratt Whitney has already encountered in building the ''game-changing'' engine, as well as its bid to take a more proactive and preventive approach to dealing with suppliers. ''Supply chain is now a critical part of our success,'' he says.