GTF engine problem to ground 350 A320neo per year through 2026

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2 years ago

Aerospace supplier RTX reported Monday that an average of 350 Airbus A320neo aircraft could be grounded per year through 2026 as its Pratt & Whitney engine unit recalls GTF engines for quality checks.

As a result of a materials defect that could lead to cracking of certain engine components, which RTX first described in July, the company now estimates it will recall 600 to 700 engines for inspection and take a $3 billion charge in the third quarter, RTX, formerly Raytheon, said.

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air said Monday that its initial estimates indicate capacity could be reduced by 10% in the second half of 2024 as a result of the problem.

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The repair work, which RTX CEO Greg Hayes initially expected to take 60 days, will now last up to 300 days per engine, with most engine recalls occurring in 2023 and early 2024.

This is the latest setback for the troubled GTF engine, which has been plagued by problems that have forced airlines to ground their planes.

The company expects an impact of up to $3.5 billion on its pre-tax profits over the next few years as a result of the problem.

The quality issue concerns a “rare condition” in the metal powder used to manufacture engine parts, such as high-pressure turbine discs and high-pressure compressor discs, which could lead to micro-cracking and fatigue.

During a production ramp-up in 2015, a microscopic contaminant was introduced into powdered metal manufactured by RTX’s HMI subsidiary in Clayville, New York, that could not be detected by the company’s previous inspection methods, said RTX CEO Greg Hayes.

The company expects to issue a service bulletin in the next 60 days that will set out an inspection protocol for high-pressure turbine discs and compressor discs, and will replace as many as possible during workshop visits, executives said.

With information from Reuters