Lufthansa Airlines News: Deutsche Lufthansa, one of the largest international airlines, on Thursday grounded a third of its 30-strong Airbus SE A220 fleet in Switzerland due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
This comes a day after Indian budget airline GoFirst blamed the US manufacturer for its financial woes due to “non-supply of engines” which forced the company to ground 28 planes, more than half of its fleet. Has done” and stopped all flights for 72 hours. prior to filing for bankruptcy.
With a backlog of sub-component orders from Pratt & Whitey suppliers, airlines around the world are dealing with engine and spare parts shortages, especially those on the most recent generation of narrowbody “workhorse” aircraft. Analysts were informed by Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr that “elements are missing in their (P&W’s) supply chains.”
Meanwhile, Airbus has promised to ramp up deliveries in the second half of 2023 after falling sales and profits in the first quarter. It also said it is “very closely monitoring” Pratt’s deal with the geared turbo fan unit and is “constantly” aware of supply chain issues.
The problems with airlines’ engines and grounded planes come as the travel industry tries to recover from the devastating Covid pandemic and demand for travel soars.
Go First File for Bankruptcy
A day after India’s low-budget airline, GoFirst, filed for bankruptcy blaming jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney (P&W), the US aerospace major hit back saying that the budget airline’s ” Has a long history of meeting its financial obligations.
According to sources in news agency ANI, P&W claimed that the airline has a long history of meeting its financial obligations to the aircraft manufacturer.
The significant statement from P&W came after the Mumbai-based Indian ultra-low-cost airline accused Pratt & Whitney of not supplying engines. The airline claimed that this prompted GO First to abruptly cancel its flights until May 5.
A GoFirst official told the news agency, “GoFirst is facing a financial crisis due to non-supply of engines by US-based jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney (P&W), which has built more than 50 aircraft.” has been erected.”
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