Airlines face headache over 'use-by' date on some jet parts as pandemic grounds fleets

Airlines with planes idled by the pandemic are cutting costs by delaying some maintenance tasks like changing life vests, testing oxygen bottles and checking emergency exits under COVID-19 waivers from airplane manufacturers and regulators. The move allows airlines to stop the clock on a category of parts that would otherwise need checks or pass their "use-by" date without leaving the ground because of the huge number of planes parked during the pandemic. In special guidance to airlines, Airbus, Boeing, Brazil's Embraer and turboprop manufacturer ATR say there is no risk to safety because the work will be done before the planes return to the skies. But there are concerns that delays could trigger commercial disputes between airlines and their lessors and financiers if they breach contractual maintenance agreements. "I think there is going to be some argument," said Phil Seymour, president of aviation intelligence and advisory firm IBA. Delayed checks also mean it will take longer to reactivate planes. Story has more.<br/>