Engine shortage crimps SriLankan Airlines' narrowbody fleet

SriLankan Airlines has rebutted claims financial issues have forced it to ground aircraft, calling such assertations "misleading." The airline says a worldwide shortage of engines for narrowbody Airbus aircraft and long wait times for repairs are why they have so many planes parked on the ground. Two months ago, ch-aviation reported that three narrowbody Airbus were grounded due to CFM International engine supply issues. Those aircraft remain out-of-service and Colombo-based media are now reporting that a further two are also not flying. The Daily Mirror cites an unnamed source saying the groundings were due to a lack of funds preventing ongoing maintenance of the engines. However, SriLankan Airlines says this is incorrect. "The aircraft are on ground owing to a global shortage and not because of a lack of finances as incorrectly stated in some news reports," reads a statement. "The aircraft, belonging to the Airbus A320N family, are currently awaiting engines after shop visits as the global industry faces a shortage of engines and long lead times for engine repairs for this type of aircraft as a result of a technical reliability issue. SriLankan Airlines is currently working with its suppliers to work out a solution and the global supply of engines is also expected to improve in the months ahead."<br/>