- The IATA study took place with Emerton collaboration
- Pratt & Whitney GTF grounded aircraft reached 648 in March 2025
- Engine shop visits are projected to rise sharply by 2040
- Spare parts shortages affect airline operations
- Recommendations include better access for independent MRO providers
IATA has released a study on bottlenecks in single aisle aircraft engine MRO. The report examines maintenance challenges for LEAP and Geared Turbofan engines. Pratt & Whitney GTF powered aircraft peaked at 648 grounded in March 2025, which represented 28pc of the fleet. The study identifies engine durability issues, spare parts shortages and limited spare engine availability as key pressures.
Annual shop visits for LEAP engines are forecast to rise from 600 to 800 in 2025 to more than 5,000 by 2040. GTF engine shop visits are expected to increase from 1,000 to more than 2,000 over the same period. Single aisle engine deliveries reached 2,000 in 2024 and are projected to stabilise at 3,700 per year between 2030 and 2040.
Willie Walsh called for urgent actions including increased parts availability, fair MRO market access and long term spare parts provisions. The study recommends adoption of industry best practices and coordinated efforts across the supply chain. Airlines have adapted by retaining older aircraft and adjusting capacity.
Willie Walsh shared “Engine MRO bottlenecks are disrupting airline operations. Without significant changes, this will only get worse as the fleet of latest generation single aisle aircraft grows. Resolving today’s disruption is the immediate priority. But long term resilience will depend on a more transparent, competitive and collaborative aftermarket.”
