French planemaker Airbus (EADSY) put a spanner in the works of engine maker Pratt & Whitney today by restricting the number of flights using its technology.
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Severe Weather Restrictions
Airbus said it has modified existing procedures for engine operations on the ground in freezing conditions. The restrictions primarily concern single-aisle A320-family jets powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100 GTF engines. Pratt & Whitney is a division of RTX Corporation (RTX)
As a result, take-offs using Pratt & Whitney engines face restrictions in severe weather, including freezing fog and visibility of less than 150 meters.
Airbus said it is in close contact with airline customers, and that Pratt & Whitney is actively working on a technical solution.
A spokesperson for Air Astana, one of the airlines impacted, said: “Airbus has introduced restrictions on the departure of A320neo, A321neo and A321LR aircraft in conditions of freezing fog with visibility below 150 metres. Such weather conditions are common at Almaty International Airport during the winter season.”
Pratt Making Progress
Pratt & Whitney, which earlier this month said it was in discussions with Airbus about engine supplies over the next three years, did not comment.
Icing produces a range of hazards in aviation, as it can disrupt airflow over the wings, increase aerodynamic drag, and reduce engine thrust.
Pratt & Whitney also had to deal recently with an issue tied to metal powder in its geared turbofan engine. Airlines had to pull some jets from service to swap parts, and that slowed the pace for new jets.
Now Pratt & Whitney is working through the repair jobs and tests for an updated model. The firm also said it is in talks with planemakers on a new engine for jets that come out after 2035. It is in talks with Boeing BA +1.41% ▲ and with Embraer SA.
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