Problems with the PW1000G engines, produced by Pratt & Whitney, are having a significant impact on the airline industry. While these engines offer lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency compared to previous generations, they have faced various logistical problems since their entry into service in 2017.
This has been particularly noticeable recently. As a result of supply chain issues and delays in maintenance and engine overhaul work, many operators have been forced to ground aircraft, leading to disruptions in their operations.
The PW1000G engines are used on Airbus A320neo, A220, and Embraer E2 aircraft (the latter two models are exclusively powered by this engine family).
See also: Amid Engine Issues, Lufthansa Group Grounds a Third of SWISS’ Airbus A220 Fleet
Consequences of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G engines problems
In recent weeks, airlines worldwide have faced a shortage of engines and spare parts, especially for their next-generation narrow-body aircraft.
Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney is dealing with its own challenges as its suppliers struggle with an accumulation of subcomponent orders.
Currently, a considerable number of aircraft equipped with this engine family remain grounded. According to data provided by Cirium, 46 Airbus A220 with PW1500G engines are stored. This figure represents 16.9% of the total operational fleet of the type.
On the other hand, 122 Airbus A320neo equipped with PW1100G engines are currently out of service. In comparison, only 41 aircraft using CFM International LEAP-1A engines are in the same condition. Additionally, 44 A321neo aircraft are also grounded.
Furthermore, two Embraer E190-E2 and five E195-E2 aircraft (both equipped with PW1900G engines) are currently stored. This represents 9.1% and 8.2% of the total active fleet for each variant, respectively.
These temporary groundings are impacting carrier’s activities and causing dissatisfaction among operators. While Pratt & Whitney assures that they are working to normalize the situation, the persistence of these problems could have repercussions on future orders for aircraft equipped with PW1000G engines.
See also: KLM Cityhopper grounds several Embraer E195-E2 due to Pratt & Whitney engines problems
