Vietnam Airlines is grounding 20% of its domestic fleet due to engine issues.
Vietnam Airlines is grounding 20% of its domestic fleet due to engine issues.
Reported by the vnexpress, Vietnam Airlines CEO Le Hong Ha stated 12 of its Airbus A321 aircraft – representing 20% of its domestic fleet – has to be grounded for up to 300 days due to engine issues with supply chain disruptions doubling maintenance time.
Le cited issues with Pratt & Whitney engine which have affected other carriers worldwide. The problem is caused by a rare condition in the powder metal used to manufacturer certain engine parts affecting Pratt & Whitney engines produced between October 2015 and September 2021 used mostly on Airbus A320/A321 aircraft.
Over 3,500 A321/A320neo aircraft worldwide have been affected by the engine issues.
During the 2024 International Airline Symposium in Hanoi, Ha said the airline uess 24 of the affected engines. The engine issues have also impacted its widebody Airbus A350 aircraft.