Pratt & Whitney engine problems affecting Air New Zealand

P & W manufacturing issues causing problems for Air New Zealand’s A320/1 NEO Aircraft.

One of Air New Zealand’s new Airbus A321NEOs | Image: Noah Stohr-Waldren

Faults with Pratt and Whitney’s PW1100G Powdered metal material causing cracking and fatigue in the fans are affecting Airbus A320/1 NEO variants and are causing them to be grounded. These problems are being noticed in over 40% of P&W GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines. Turkish Airlines are already grounding 11-12 of their Airbus A320neo family aircraft.

These A320/21 models are very popular among modern airlines, and the damage this rare condition causes will be harsh on many of the airlines that operate them, including Air New Zealand, and multiple other oceanic airlines.

Image: Oliver Vere

Air New Zealand’s A320/21 NEO family of aircraft will go into maintenance for an undetermined period of time. Air New Zealand is close to signing a dry lease on a second 777-300ER (on top of one that was already scheduled) which should ease any disruption to the trans-Tasman and pacific island routes that were carried out by the NEOs.

Most of the repairs should be completed by now and next year, though there are reports it could take up to 2-3 years.