Local flight disruptions loom as P&W deals with new hiccup

MANILA  -Local airlines are bracing for possible flight disruptions after engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney (P&W) announced that starting this month, some of the A320neo (new engine option) units—which local airlines added to their fleet because of their fuel efficiency—will be taken out of operations for inspection.

This was prompted by P&W’s discovery of a “rare condition in powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts.”

Cebu Pacific, which added A320neo aircraft to its fleet mainly due to fuel efficiency, said in a disclosure that P&W’s inspection will impact fleet availability in 2024.

“We anticipate that a number of the aircraft will be affected next year by the recent announcement and as such the growth rate for 2024 will be revised downwards,” the low-cost airline said.

PAL, meanwhile, told the Inquirer it was “working on plans to mitigate any potential impact to our schedule in 2024.” It currently operates a 69-jet fleet.

Both airlines assured the public that P&W’s inspection was not a safety issue.

“While there is no indication of a safety issue, safety is and will continue to remain our top priority. We adhere to the highest standards of flight safety for the welfare of our passengers,” the flag carrier said.

Both airlines are now increasing their aircraft to mitigate the impact of flight disruptions.

Cebu Pacific is set to receive 21 aircraft this year. It has taken delivery of nine units so far.

READ: Cebu Pacific to add 6 new aircraft this year

PAL, meanwhile, sealed the deal to acquire nine long-range A350-1000s with Airbus.

READ: PAL buys 9 new Airbus planes

The jets to be used for long haul services to the East Coast of the United States and Canada, are expected to arrive in two years.