New jet engines 'not as durable' as older models?

BTN News
Saturday, 11 May 2024

New-generation turbofans powering Airbus A320neo-family jets and Boeing’s 737 MAX are not as durable as the engines they replace, according to aviation lease firm AerCap's chief executive Aengus Kelly.


Kelly called the new-generation power plants “engineering marvels”, but added they are "not as durable … and break down more often. They do not last as long in service before needing repair.”

Kelly did not mention specific engine types, but AerCap is known to be acquiring 150 CFM International 'Leap turbofans' as spares.

The Leaps power 737 MAX jets and are one of two A320neo-family engine options that have suffered durability issues since their introduction, as has Pratt & Whitney’s competing PW1100G – the other A320neo engine option. 

An ongoing PW1100G issue has forced airlines globally to ground hundreds of Airbus jets for early inspections and replacement of potentially defective metal components. 

Experts have attributed the problems to the hotter temperatures and higher pressures at which the new engines operate.

“These engines are running about 400 degrees hotter than their predecessors, and their pressures are 50 per cent higher,” analyst Kevin Michaels with AeroDynamic Advisory said in February. 

“So, when you get into dirty air, you clog passages", and melt things that didn’t previously melt.

New jet engines 'not as durable' as older models?

BTN News
Saturday, 11 May 2024

New-generation turbofans powering Airbus A320neo-family jets and Boeing’s 737 MAX are not as durable as the engines they replace, according to aviation lease firm AerCap's chief executive Aengus Kelly.


Kelly called the new-generation power plants “engineering marvels”, but added they are "not as durable … and break down more often. They do not last as long in service before needing repair.”

Kelly did not mention specific engine types, but AerCap is known to be acquiring 150 CFM International 'Leap turbofans' as spares.

The Leaps power 737 MAX jets and are one of two A320neo-family engine options that have suffered durability issues since their introduction, as has Pratt & Whitney’s competing PW1100G – the other A320neo engine option. 

An ongoing PW1100G issue has forced airlines globally to ground hundreds of Airbus jets for early inspections and replacement of potentially defective metal components. 

Experts have attributed the problems to the hotter temperatures and higher pressures at which the new engines operate.

“These engines are running about 400 degrees hotter than their predecessors, and their pressures are 50 per cent higher,” analyst Kevin Michaels with AeroDynamic Advisory said in February. 

“So, when you get into dirty air, you clog passages", and melt things that didn’t previously melt.