Airlines switch from Rolls-Royce to General Electric amid reliability concerns

Airlines prefer the GEnx-1B engine due to its low operating costs and high efficiency. The GEnx outperforms the Trent 1000 in terms of reliability and carbon emissions. It is also favored because it powers both the Boeing 747-8 and the Dreamliner, reducing maintenance challenges for carriers with mixed fleets.

Reliability concerns with the Trent 1000 continue to affect its reputation. Blade cracking and other issues have led airlines like All Nippon Airways and Virgin Atlantic to ground some aircraft in recent years. Despite promises from Rolls-Royce to address these problems by redesigning affected parts, confidence remains low.

General Electric's dominance extends beyond the Dreamliner market. The upcoming Boeing 777X will be powered exclusively by GE's GE-9X engines. Tyler-Blair Sheppard from GE noted: “We’ve run the heck out of the engine... It will all result in a more durable engine in harsh environments.”

Rolls-Royce is not conceding defeat in the widebody market without a fight. The company is developing UltraFan engines capable of producing significant thrust while being compatible with sustainable aviation fuel. Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic described it as "a game changer" for future aviation efficiency.

While many airlines favor General Electric engines for their reliability and efficiency, there are concerns about performance drops in high temperatures experienced by some operators using GEnx engines in warm climates like Africa and the Middle East. Shawn Pearson from General Electric stated: “These tests are specifically conducted for operators... that we technically call ‘Severe Operating Environment’ or SOE.”