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Engine issues will cut Cebu Pacific fleet growth in 2024
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Pratt and Whitney engines, which power A320/321 NEO aircraft worldwide, is recalling 600 to 700 engines for inspection between 2023 and 2026
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A rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection
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The development has no immediate impact on operations and won’t compromise safety, said Cebu Pacific
Engine issues will cut Cebu Pacific fleet growth in 2024, the low-cost airline said in a statement.
Issues on Pratt and Whitney (P&W) engines, which power A320/321 NEO aircraft worldwide, will, however, not immediately impact operations and won’t compromise safety, it added.
“We anticipate that a number of the aircraft will be affected next year by the recent announcement and as such the growth rate for 2024 will be revised downwards,” Cebu Pacific said.
At the end of 2023, Cebu Pacific’s fleet will total 76 aircraft and growing to 91 aircraft during 2024. It includes 25 P&W-powered Airbus aircraft.
The carrier said it has been informed by P&W of a condition that will further affect maintenance plans for its engines.
P&W’s parent firm, US aerospace and defense group RTX, on September 11 announced it will recall 600 to 700 engines for inspection between 2023 and 2026 due to an issue related to the powdered metal used to make certain parts.
In July, RTX disclosed PW determined that a rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection. The accelerated removals and incremental shop visits will result in higher aircraft on ground, RTX added.
The airline said the accelerated fleet inspection will ensure continued safe operation of the P&W fleet.
“P&W understands the importance of its partnership with Cebu Pacific and has committed to work closely with us to minimize any potential impact that this issue may have on our operations,” the airline said.
Cebu Pacific said P&W has assured the airline that it has aligned the expertise and resources needed and will work with its partners to resolve things as efficiently as possible.
The carrier added it has already taken a focused approach to proactively manage supply chain and operational challenges facing the industry.
In recent months, the airline has put in place contingency measures with current on-time-performance levels reaching as high as 90%.
In June, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao apologized to passengers for flight disruptions in previous months as the global aviation industry has been impacted by issues on PW engines.
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