Around 430 US-registered A320neo aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines may be affected by new maintenance requirements set by the FAA, according to a draft rule issued on December 11, 2023.
The recall involves PW1100G engines that were manufactured between 2015 and 2020 and used by A320neo operators. Around 1,200 engines are expected to be inspected and have parts replaced.
Pratt & Whitney has released two service bulletins related to the recall, which the FAA used to inform their draft rule. The inspections are aimed at identifying microcracks in high-pressure turbine discs, indicating potential engine fatigue.
The impact of the recall extends beyond the US, with multiple airlines, such as Cebu Pacific Air, Air New Zealand, Volaris, and SKY Airline (Chile), making contingency plans and seeking compensation. Around 15pc of the inspected engines were from US-registered aircraft.
The FAA is accepting feedback on the draft rule until January 11, 2024, and the final decision will come into effect 35 days after its announcement.
