ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines (TK) anticipates that it may have to ground as many as 12 Airbus A321neo aircraft by the end of this year due to problems with Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines. The airline has already taken nine aircraft out of service for the same reason.
The airline spokesperson stated, “Our expectation is to ground 11 to 12 aircraft by the end of the year, but due to the uncertainties in the process, there is a possibility that this number will be revised upwards.”
Turkish Airlines to Ground A321neo
In July, RTX, the publicly listed parent company of Pratt & Whitney, issued a recall order for its PW1100G engines manufactured between 2015 and 2020.
While the exact number of engines that need to be removed from aircraft and inspected is yet to be finalized, RTX mentioned that the inspection process will occur between now and 2026, affecting airlines globally.
Turkish Airlines currently operates four A320neo and fifty-four A321neo aircraft equipped with PW1100G engines. However, as the issue only pertains to engines manufactured during a specific timeframe, the recall order will not affect all of Turkish Airlines’ A320neo and A321neo jets.
Deliveries of the airline’s A320neo started in the latter half of 2022, and all four aircraft from that batch were built in the same year, suggesting that the engines on those planes may not be affected.
Deliveries of the A321neo began in mid-2018 and have continued until August this year, with all these aircraft manufactured within the same timeframe.
The spokesperson said, “Our negotiations with the manufacturer continue. Since there are still unclear issues regarding the affected engines and maintenance plans, it seems possible that there will be changes in the quantities mentioned above in the coming period.”
Turkish Airlines has an additional 45 A321neo aircraft on order.
TK Orders 10 A350
The flag carrier of Turkey, Turkish Airlines (TK), has unveiled a significant investment in its aircraft fleet by placing an order for 10 new A350 aircraft from Airbus. The announcement, in the form of a material event statement, was issued through the Public Disclosure Platform.
According to the statement, ‘In alignment with the growth objectives of our corporation, our Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of 10 A350-900 passenger aircraft from Airbus, scheduled for delivery in 2025, 2026, and 2027.’
This strategic move is a significant step for Turkish Airlines and complements the company’s ambitious growth strategies.
The A350-900 is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced and efficient widebody aircraft. It leads the way in the 300-410 seater category, promising exceptional levels of efficiency and passenger comfort.
The A350 boasts a cutting-edge design infused with advanced technologies and aerodynamics. Its exceptional fuel efficiency, attributed to its state-of-the-art engines and lightweight materials, stands as a standout feature.
Furthermore, it is hailed as the quietest aircraft in its class, reducing noise emissions by 50% compared to previous-generation planes. This remarkable attribute makes the A350 an ideal and considerate presence at any airport.
Enhancing the passenger journey, the A350’s Airspace cabin is renowned as the quietest among twin-aisle aircraft, featuring contemporary in-flight amenities offering unparalleled travel comfort.
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