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HK Express, S7 Airlines expect A320neo delivery delays after Pratt GTF EAD
February 23rd 2018
HK Express and Russia’s S7 Airlines expect significant A320neo delivery delays as a result of last week’s European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD), which called for the grounding or significant curtailing of operations of Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered A320neo Family aircraft. Read More »
EASA said it had found defects in 30% of the 113 Pratt & Whitney PW1100 GTF engines installed on neo aircraft in service around the globe.
An internal HK Express memo, seen by the South China Morning Post, has suggested Airbus was facing a six-month delay on the A320neo production line as a result of the GTF issues. The low-cost carrier told flight crew that given the uncertainty, it was “seriously considering” not taking delivery of any new neo aircraft until next year, “at the earliest”.
“Obtaining replacement engines for all the affected aircraft currently operating is the priority and could take months,” the note read. “All the new P&W neo on the Airbus production line could be delayed for six months or more,” it continued. (HK Express is currently barred from adding new aircraft following a safety controversy last year that led to the ouster of former CEO, Andrew Cowen.)
HK Express has already grounded one of its five in-service neo following the EAD.
Russia’s S7 Airlines is facing a similar capacity crunch. According to Russian media reports, the oneworld member’s co-owner, Natalya Fileva, said neo delays were “most likely”.
A320neo Family aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP engines are not affected by the EAD.
On Wednesday, Greg Hayes, CEO and chairman of P&W’s parent, United Technologies, said the OEM had resumed GTF production after introducing a revised configuration for the knife-edge seal on each engine’s high-pressure compressor aft hub and obtaining FAA, EASA, and Airbus approvals. Customers are expected to receive the upgraded power plants from April.
