Pratt & Whitney, a leading engine manufacturer, is grappling with a new issue affecting its Geared Turbofan or GTF engines. The company disclosed that an issue with the metal used to produce some engine parts necessitates inspections on hundreds of Airbus jets using these engines. The concern is about the risk of cracks forming in critical engine components due to recently discovered contamination in the metal.
The Impact on Airbus Jets
This newly discovered problem compounds the existing shortage of new, fuel-efficient engines. An issue that has already grounded numerous Airbus and Boeing jetliners around the world as parts wore out more quickly than anticipated. RTX, Pratt & Whitney’s parent company, had an initial goal to significantly reduce the 8% of the A320neo fleet grounded due to ongoing durability issues by the end of the year. However, this new issue significantly affects that objective.
RTX CEO, Greg Hayes, openly expressed his concern about the situation. He first became aware of the problem on July 14, leading to the decision on July 18 to expedite the inspections. This action necessitated calls to customers to explain the potential risk. Major customers affected include Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Wizz Air, all of whom have purchased Airbus A320neo jets equipped with GTF engines.
Airbus has stated that it doesn’t expect this new issue to impact A320neo deliveries and is actively working with airlines to limit disruption to their fleets.
The Rigors of Engine Maintenance
Addressing the issue at hand involves replacing the contaminated discs. This requires removing the engine, disassembling, and then reassembling it. According to Hayes, this process could take approximately 60 days.
Engine manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney have faced continuous pressure to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in recent years. Their goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. However, the extreme engineering required for next-generation engines, such as the GTF, has also resulted in unexpected maintenance issues.
Pratt & Whitney, among other suppliers, has also had to deal with issues related to wear and tear in hot and dusty climates. These difficulties came to light when the low-cost Indian carrier, Go First, which is currently in a financial crisis, attributed the grounding of half of its 54 Airbus A320neos to “faulty” Pratt & Whitney engines. Pratt & Whitney, in response, has suggested that Go First’s accusations are an attempt to divert attention from the carrier’s own financial troubles.
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