Unknown number of Frontier jets could be grounded for P&W engine inspections

While airlines worldwide grapple with groundings of Airbus A320neo-family jets due to Pratt & Whitney’s recall of hundreds of its geared turbofan (GTF) engines, all-Airbus operator Frontier Airlines has so far been spared similar operational disruptions. But Frontier’s fortunes could change soon, parent company Frontier Group Holdings warns in a 29 October financial filing. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) may be required to remove ”certain engines for inspection due to a possible condition in the powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts”, it says. CE Barry Biffle has previously explained that Frontier’s A320neo-family jets were delivered almost entirely outside of the problematic production window that prompted P&W’s recall in September 2023, meaning that its Airbus jets have kept flying while some competitors – such as JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines – have averaged double-digit numbers of aircraft grounded since late last year. “While this has not impacted our operations through 30 September, these additional inspections or maintenance obligations could result in lengthy turnaround times to perform these inspections,” Frontier says. “This inspection programme may have an adverse impact on our future capacity plans, particularly if we are required to temporarily take aircraft out of service.” <br/>