More engine problems for Airbus
PARIS: Airbus has stopped delivering A320neo jets powered by Pratt & Whitney geared-turbofan engines and halted pre-delivery test flights after the latest in a series of problems with the engines, said two sources familiar with the matter.
The setback comes weeks after Airbus said it was overcoming a two-year sequence of problems on fuel-saving engines developed by Pratt & Whitney, one of two engine suppliers for its A320neo.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Friday imposed restrictions on the use of recently delivered A320neo-family jets with engines starting at a certain serial number.
That followed a spate of inflight shutdowns or rejected take-offs that one source said began happening 10 days ago.
India’s IndiGo has grounded three jets, but regulators say its competitor GoAir is not affected.
In total, the grounding affected 15 to 20 recently delivered aircraft, said sources.
EASA’s safety bulletin also bans airlines from using A320neo jets on extended trips over water or isolated areas when one of the engines comes from the suspect batch.
Aircraft using alternative engines from CFM International are not affected.
Airbus says there are 113 Pratt & Whitney-powered A320neo aircraft flying with 18 customers. It is in the midst of increasing output and last week said it might speed up further.