A common misconception is that aircraft engine part availability issues only affect specific regions like the Philippines, resulting in flight cancellations. However, the reality is that it’s a global issue. Airlines around the world, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and even international airlines like SriLankan Airlines, have faced challenges with their A321neos aircraft being grounded due to a lack of engine parts.
This problem has forced SriLankan Airlines to operate a “reduced fleet” of 15 aircraft, rather than the planned 18, affecting its flight schedule and punctuality. SriLankan A321neos make use of CFMI LEAP-1A GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines.
A Global Impact on Airlines
Air Astana is not exempted from the effects of the lack of Pratt & Whitney parts. C checks on two Airbus A320neo aircraft are taking a “prolonged time” to complete due to the parts shortage. Additionally, the replacement of another A320neo’s engine has been delayed. The airlines expect this situation to improve by mid-July when the two aircraft undergoing checks should finally return to operations.
It’s crucial to note that the aviation industry is currently facing several supply chain issues. A major one is the difficulty Pratt & Whitney is experiencing servicing engines, leading to AOG (aircraft on ground) issues for numerous carriers. CEO of Air Astana, Peter Foster, even described the Pratt & Whitney engine issues as a “chronic illness,” stressing that things could quickly take a turn for the worse if other engines in the A320neo fleet cause additional AOGs.
Grounding Statistics
According to ch-aviation CEO Thomas Jaeger, 9.8% of the Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A320neo fleet is currently grounded compared to just 1.7% of the CFM-powered fleet. Jaeger identifies IndiGo, Spirit, and Turkish as the most significantly affected airlines.
Indian low-cost carrier Go First filed for bankruptcy due to the grounding of almost half its Airbus A320neo fleet. The airline cites the faulty Pratt & Whitney engines as the primary reason, claiming that over 50% of its fleet has been grounded since December 2022, leading to a staggering estimated revenue loss of $1.32 billion.
The Situation in the Philippines
In the Philippines, some A321neos and A320neo jets from PAL and Cebu Pacific, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofans, are now required to undergo maintenance checks after reaching 6,000 take-off and landing cycles. With the delay in engine parts, many of these planes will likely remain grounded longer, prompting airlines to cut their flights. To mitigate the situation, Cebu Pacific is leasing more used Airbus A320ceos, or the older generation A320s powered by CFM56 engines.
Despite the global nature of this issue, it seems surprising that it necessitated a Senate investigation in the Philippines. It remains uncertain how long this crisis will persist and how deeply it will impact airline operations. So far, flight schedules has been reduced and fleet utilization is being reworked to ensure also the availability of reserved planes.
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