Temporary grounding: Air New Zealand is using two new A320 Neo aircraft as engine donors

The airline uses planes as a donor of spare parts – this news is actually known mainly from Russia at the moment, where airlines cannot get spare parts due to Western sanctions. But supply chains for spare parts around the world are also under great pressure. This is forcing other airlines to take drastic steps.

Air New Zealand has decided to ground two new aircraft for the time being because Pratt & Whitney engines are not currently available. The airline had hoped that the shortage of new engines would recede by the middle of the year. But the US engine maker says it will likely take longer. “What we thought was a problem through June and July is likely to be with us through the end of the year,” said Brett Daly, the airline’s chief engineer. Things.

More options with engines on other planes

The Airbus A320 Neo and A321 Neo aircraft, which the airline is based in, were delivered in the domestic configuration. The airline is now removing engines from planes to reinstall them on planes configured for international flights. This gives you more options for using the plane.

In the case of internationally configured aircraft, scheduled expansions of engines that have lost parts are due in the near future. As a result, despite having 32 of the necessary engines, four spare engines and three leasing options, the airline still faced a crisis.

Also changes in the flight plan

The problem, Daly said, is that scheduled engine builds and the usual unscheduled builds happen at the same time for all operators around the world. This has “escalated” demand for replacement engines that Pratt & Whitney can’t keep up with. Other airlines are hardest hit. There are about 100 aircraft from 28 airlines around the world.

The grounding of the two planes also forces Air New Zealand to adjust its flight schedule. Nearly 150,000 passengers are facing changes. “Although there will be some inconvenience to customers, for which we apologize in advance, the majority will still be able to fly within 60 to 90 minutes or the same day,” the airline said.