US jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney has confirmed it is offering its PurePower PW1400G engine to power Irkut’s MC-21 aircraft family, in a deal expected to be worth $1.1bn.

It marks the only foreign-made component to be fitted on the Russian aircraft. Irkut president Alexey Fedorov said that the engine makes the aircraft more competitive because of the cost-efficiency it offers customers.

"Lowering fuel costs is good for airline customers, and reducing the environmental impact of commercial aviation is good for everyone," Fedorov added.

Both the companies have selected Bombardier Aerospace of Canada’s subsidiary Short Brothers as exclusive provider of nacelles for the PW1400G engines.

The PurePower PW1000G engine’s advanced gear system will allow the engine’s fan to function at a varied speed when compared to the low-pressure compressor and turbine.

"Lowering fuel costs is good for airline customers, and reducing the environmental impact of commercial aviation is good for everyone."

Pratt & Whitney claims that the blend of the gear system and new advanced core will offer enhanced fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduce noise. The unit will consist of a high-pressure compressor, a low-emissions combustor, and new high-pressure turbine module.

The twin-engine MS-21 aircraft is currently being designed by Irkut and the Yakovlev Design Bureau can carry 150 to 210 passengers and will replace the existing Tupolev Tu-154 and Tu-204 operated on medium-haul routes.

At present, the first flight of the aircraft equipped with PurePower PW1400G engine is set for 2015, with entry into operational service scheduled for 2017.

The MC-21 aircraft series comprises of jetliners, which generate 25,000-32,000lb of thrust.

Irkut had earlier unveiled the MC-21 aircraft model at the Farnborough International Airshow, UK, in 2010.