THE American group RTXparent company of engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitneyexpects a loss of $3 billion in the third quarter, due to problems caused by contaminants in engines PW1100G which equip the Airbus A320neo.
The impact on RTX’s revenues will reach 3 to 3.5 billion dollars, including a loss of 3 billion recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2023, indicated in a press release the American group, which had announced in July that many PW1100G engines would be having to undergo an early inspection due to a defect in a metal powder to manufacture high-pressure turbine disks.
The group then explained that this problem did not cause any immediate danger, but led to a risk of premature wear. This contamination potentially affects 1,200 engines produced between the fourth quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2021, out of some 3,000 manufactured in total. Around 600 to 700 engines will be inspected between 2023 and 2026, in addition to the overhauls that were already planned, RTX said.
RTX thus explains that it anticipates a “significant increase in the number of A320s, equipped with its PW1100G engine, on the ground» between 2023 and 2026. The charge of 3 to 3.5 billion dollars includes potential compensation for the disruptions caused, including planes grounded for maintenance of the engines concerned.
According to engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, 1,200 engines assembled between the fourth quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2021, out of some 3,000 manufactured in total, are potentially affected by production defects. The American aviation regulator (FAA) demanded, on July 28, that the airlines concerned carry out checks within 30 days to avoid any incidents.
