This week’s top air transport stories include the news from Pratt & Whitney’s parent RTX about additional GTF inspections and a Boeing 737 MAX order from Vietnam Airlines.
Pratt & Whitney parent RTX disclosed that clogged engine overhaul shops and a fast-tracking of necessary inspections on higher-time PW1100G geared turbofans will drive turnaround times up to as many as 300 days and could ground 650 Airbus A320neos at one time early next year.
Operating through and around continued supply constraints was a unifying theme at the US Chamber of Commerce Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, DC on Sept. 12. For Lufthansa, impacts of the accelerated PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) removals are expected to be “significant” and result in the grounding of 20 of its Airbus A320neos at “any given time next year,” CEO Carsten Spohr said. In addition to extending the operation of existing A320ceo aircraft to offset grounded neos, the carrier predicts it will need to wet lease an additional 40-50 aircraft next summer to fly its network. Conversations with Pratt & Whitney on compensation have just begun, Spohr told reporters at the Sept. 12 event.
MTU Aero Engines is working on a cost-efficiency program and will enter negotiations with partner Pratt & Whitney to reduce the financial impact of RTX’s PW1100G fleet management plan presented Sept. 11. The company wants to find ways to reduce the time needed for inspections and potential repairs.
In airline news, Vietnam Airlines signed a commitment to order 50 Boeing 737 MAXs, as the flag carrier looks to refresh and expand its narrowbody fleet.
JetBlue Airways agreed to transfer to Las Vegas-based ULCC Allegiant Air all of Spirit Airlines' holdings at Boston and Newark in connection with upcoming JetBlue/Spirit merger; it will also turn over up to five gates at Fort Lauderdale.
Lufthansa Group will add new routes and additional frequencies to the U.S. and Canada for summer in 2024 due to strong demand in the north transatlantic market. The major network expansion will see Lufthansa’s seats in the U.S. market grow by 16% in 2024.
In labor news, flight attendant groups remaining in negotiations are numerous, including those at American Airlines, Southwest, United and Alaska Airlines—groups that have taken part in recent pickets to urge action. Among those joining Alaska in an August picket were colleagues from Horizon Air, United, American, Southwest, and Delta—flight attendants and pilots alike. This participation reflects the season of labor solidarity.
In manufacturer news, Boeing’s delivery activity slowed in August largely attributed to new repairs that must be done on some 737s before customers can have them, but signs continue to point to a long-awaited acceleration in getting stored aircraft built for China moving. Boeing delivered 35 aircraft in August, well below its average of 44 heading into the month. The change came via lower 737 program deliveries, which fell to 22, the second-lowest monthly total in 2023.
In regulatory news, FAA issued 15,907 pilot certificates in August, a 34% increase compared to a year ago and up 77% compared to August 2019 levels, according to Jefferies, which monitors FAA data and the pilot supply pipeline.
In ATM news, Eurocontrol says the number of flights in its network during summer 2023 reached 93% of pre-pandemic levels, citing extensive preparations made to limit air traffic flow management (ATFM) delays.
In lessor news, regional aircraft leasing specialist Nordic Aviation Capital acquired a pair of Airbus A320s from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital as it expands into larger single-aisle leasing. The purchase of the two A320s is leased to UK LCC easyJet.
SMBC Aviation Capital (SMBC) plans to acquire 25 more Boeing 737-8s, expanding its current backlog of the narrowbodies to 81. SMBC says the deal is worth $3.7 billion based on current list prices. The aircraft will be delivered between 2028 and 2029, the lessor says.
Dublin-based CDB Aviation will lease three new Airbus A321neos to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
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