Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, proudly marks a century of excellence in aviation, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The milestone celebrates the company’s enduring legacy of innovation, beginning with the revolutionary R-1340 Wasp radial engine that transformed both military and commercial aviation.

The company’s journey took flight under the vision of Frederick B. Rentschler, who introduced a lightweight, air-cooled radial engine that gained early acclaim with the U.S. Navy. By 1926, the Navy ordered 200 engines, laying the groundwork for Pratt & Whitney’s rapid rise. Its Wasp engines powered hundreds of aircraft through the 20th century, playing a key role in Allied success during World War II, where over 363,000 engines were produced during the war effort.

Adapting with the times, Pratt & Whitney pioneered jet propulsion with the J57 engine, used in iconic aircraft like the Boeing B-52 and commercial jets such as the Boeing 707 and DC-8, ushering in a new era of flight and innovation.

Today, Pratt & Whitney powers over 90,000 engines in service globally. Its GTFTM engine is renowned for its fuel efficiency, used by more than 85 airlines operating the Airbus A220, A320neo, and Embraer E2 jets. The F135 engine powers the advanced Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet, while its Canadian arm leads the development of engines for business and general aviation, including the PT6 and PW127XT.

Pratt & Whitney’s legacy continues with forward-looking investments in next-generation technologies including hybrid-electric, hydrogen-based, rotating detonation, and adaptive propulsion systems.

“Since our founding, we’ve upheld the mission of building the most dependable engines in aerospace,” said Shane Eddy, President of Pratt & Whitney. “Our 45,000-strong global team lives by our commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence.”

In India, Pratt & Whitney has played a pivotal role for over seven decades, contributing to commercial and defense aviation. Engines like the JT3D and JT9D ushered in India's jet age, while today, the IAE V2500, GTF, and PW127 power numerous aircraft flying across the country. The Indian Air Force relies on Pratt & Whitney propulsion systems for platforms like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-295.

“Our India story is an integral part of our 100-year journey,” said Ashish Saraf, Vice President & Country Head, Pratt & Whitney India. “India continues to play a strategic role in our engineering, digital, and supply chain growth.”

To mark the centennial, Pratt & Whitney is engaging employees through a travelling exhibit that will visit 11 locations globally, including its India Customer Training Center in Hyderabad. The celebration also includes a digital version of the exhibit and a historical marker at the original headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut.

As Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century in flight, its commitment to powering progress and innovation across the skies remains stronger than ever.

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is set to return for its 13th edition at the breathtaking Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Scheduled from September 4–11, 2025, this luxury surfing showdown draws some of the biggest names in surfing to compete in the Indian Ocean’s iconic swells.

With postcard-perfect conditions, uncrowded breaks, and the warm embrace of the Maldivian waters, the location remains a dream destination for surfers. Guests can perfect their skills in the resort’s tranquil lagoon or chase bigger waves at legendary reef breaks like Sultans.

This year’s elite invitees include Australia’s Craig Anderson, known for his fluid free-surfing style, and Brazil’s Jesse Mendes, admired for his power and precision. Both surfers are set to bring their A-game as they compete for USD 25,000 and a prestigious spot in the Surfing Champions Trophy Hall of Fame.

“I’m so stoked I got the call-up,” shared Anderson. “The Surfing Champions Trophy looks insanely fun. I’ve only been to the Maldives once — on my honeymoon — so I’m excited to pack a few more boards this time. I’m no contest surfer but I’ve kept an eye on this event for years and always wanted to be part of it. Alternate boards in perfect waves? Can’t wait!”

The competition format will feature single, twin, and thruster boards in age-based heats, culminating in a Grand Final where surfers pick their preferred board for the final faceoff. Beyond the surf, the experience is designed for family and relaxation, from island-style learning and laid-back garden charm to exquisite dining and rejuvenating spa sessions.

After an adrenaline-filled day on the waves, guests can wind down at The Island Spa, accessible by traditional dhoni, where therapies like the Islander Massage blend South Asian healing traditions into deeply relaxing rituals.

For bookings and more information, reach out at (960) 66 00 888 or reservations.mal@fourseasons.com.

The Israel Festival 2025 has kicked off with a fresh vision, moving beyond the streets of Jerusalem to embrace diverse communities across Israel, from Majdal Shams in the north to Kibbutz Tze'elim in the south.

Spanning from July 16 to August 14, this year’s festival marks a historic milestone as it becomes a nationwide celebration of arts, culture, and unity. Each location will feature curated programs that reflect the spirit and identity of the local community.

Festival Locations Include:

• North: Majdal Shams, Kiryat Shmona, Kibbutz Kfar Blum, and Tel Hai College
  

• South: Ofakim, Kibbutz Urim, and Kibbutz Tze’elim
  

• Jerusalem: The festival’s traditional venues remain central to the celebration
  

A Few Highlights from the Festival Lineup:

• Speeches Against Despair: An imaginative reinterpretation of iconic speeches curated by Guri Alfi and Eli Haviv, featuring prominent performers like Noa Koller, Noga Erez, and Norman Issa.
  

• Music People: A soulful collaboration between well-known Israeli musicians and emerging talents from the north.
  

• Al-Malab (The Pitch): A powerful theatrical piece performed on a soccer field, exploring themes of memory and childhood.
  

• From Ashes to Gold: Trumpeter Avishai Cohen joins the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra to perform a deeply emotional album inspired by the October 7th events.
  

• Coming Home: A thought-provoking Talmudic performance blending music, narration, and spirituality.
  

• Brothers: A heartfelt album launch by Tuval Haim, joined by musical guests including Tomer Yosef and ECHO.
  

• Spurs: A literary and multimedia tribute to 25 years of the Mifal HaPais Sapir Prize, featuring award-winning authors and artists.
  

The organizers share that this edition is more than a festival—it is a reflection of hope, unity, and the deep belief in art as a bridge across communities.

“We operate from a deep belief in artistic creation as a unique tool for strengthening the fabric of shared life in Israel,” said Eyal Sher, CEO of the festival.

Artistic directors Michal Vaknin and Itai Mautner added, “We want to create a multi-layered picture and make room for something else to enter. This is our humble offering, our prayer.”

A Celebration of Cultural Resilience

The 2025 edition is not only a cultural showcase but also a powerful symbol of resilience and connection. It emphasizes the role of art in times of division and serves as a heartfelt invitation to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

The festival also aligns with the Restart the Galilee initiative, an effort to boost cultural tourism and economic development in the northern region by hosting events that support both artists and local communities.

From traditional stages in Jerusalem to the green fields of the Galilee, the Israel Festival 2025 offers a vibrant and unifying cultural experience for all.