On July 25, 2023, RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, announced a problem with certain parts of its PW1100G engine, which is an option for the Airbus A320neo aircraft family. The issue has led to significant operational challenges for airlines using these engines.
In September 2023, RTX revealed that between 600 and 700 engines would be removed from service between 2023 and 2026 for inspections. This action will affect around 350 aircraft grounded during this period, primarily in early 2024. The turnaround time for engine removal and reinstallation is estimated at approximately 250 to 300 days.
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, noted that affected parts were manufactured between Q4 2015 and Q3 2021. "As such," he stated during a Q3 earnings call in October 2023, "Airbus delivered GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft during this period." Airlines have had to adjust by grounding aircraft or finding alternative solutions.