P&W sees lower A320neo grounding peak from powder metal problem

Pratt & Whitney expects the peak number of aircraft grounded as a result of manufacturing problems with geared turbofan engines will be lower than previously anticipated as the propulsion specialist continues to work through the issue. In September, the engine maker expanded a previously announced requirement for “accelerated inspections” of the PW1100G engines that power Airbus A320neo-family jets due to a manufacturing problem. Caused by contamination of the powder metal material used to make high-pressure turbine and compressor disks, the issue will see thousands of aircraft taken out of service over the next two years for checks. But speaking to analysts on a full-year earnings call on 23 January, Christopher Calio, COO of P&W parent RTX, said although the recovery process was in its early stages, progress is being made. While it is sticking to its overall forecast of an average of 350 aircraft on ground (AOG) each month, Calio expects “a lower peak level than previously anticipated”. That high point will still likely occur in the first quarter of 2024 “and then trend downwards”. Calio says the flatter AOG profile is due to delays in the finalisation of an airworthiness directive by the US FAA, which he expects will now be issued “in the next month or so”.<br/>