FlightGlobal
• Graham Dunn
Operators affected by Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan recall are seeing an end to the disruption as maintenance activity accelerates. Since details of the recall emerged in 2023, airlines have adapted to having portions of their fleets grounded for engine inspections and repairs.
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Operators affected by Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan recall are seeing an end to the disruption as maintenance activity accelerates. Since details of the recall emerged in 2023, airlines have adapted to having portions of their fleets grounded for engine inspections and repairs.
Engine manufacturers are directing some of their largest maintenance, repair and overhaul investments to India as the world’s biggest single-aisle operator confronts the physical limits of the commercial aviation aftermarket. The build-out reflects rising pressure on engine capacity, turnaround times and the broader support ecosystem.
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A Qantas Airbus A380 flew from Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth and back—carrying nearly 1,000 passengers—after engineers inadvertently left a maintenance floodlight inside the aircraft’s wing. The ATSB report has prompted Qantas to revise tool-control procedures and assess technology for tracking maintenance equipment.
Germany’s Aero-Dienst is considering establishing an air operator certificate in Malta while expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, Managing Director Oliver Kosing said. The potential move would broaden the company’s operating and regulatory footprint as it evaluates further growth in the European aviation market.
Hainan Airlines plans to sell an 80% stake in its aircraft part-out business, signaling a change in ownership for an operation focused on dismantling aircraft and recovering value from components. The transaction could reshape the unit’s strategic and commercial direction.
Brazilian airline GOL has secured a $160 million loan to fund maintenance, repair and overhaul activities. The financing provides dedicated capital for the carrier’s MRO requirements.
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Air India plans to add more than 100 aircraft across its group in 2027 and 2028 as it pursues a fleet overhaul despite ongoing challenges. Meanwhile, Akasa Air has agreed to a sale-and-leaseback for up to seven Boeing 737-8-200s with Avolon to support further growth.
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Airlines are gradually restoring grounded aircraft to service after a years-long engine crisis, improving fleet availability while facing a slower financial recovery. The costs of repairs, maintenance and prolonged downtime continue to weigh on operators even as aircraft return to active fleets.
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