This year was supposed to herald a resurgence in air travel, but according to Bloomberg, a potential obstacle to that growth is a shortage of aircraft engines and spare parts for Airbus and Boeing planes.
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Media reports that the shortage is compounded by the fact that more carriers are flying the latest generation of turbines, which, while being 20% more efficient, have also been subject to much more frequent maintenance cycles than their more durable predecessors.
America’s Spirit Airlines reports delays in its development plans and India’s IndiGo is suffering from a shortage of aircraft parts.
Supply chain constraints in the industry predated the pandemic, and in its aftermath, engine manufacturers have struggled with shortages of skilled mechanics and shortages of components.
The latest engines from Raytheon Technologies and General Electric are equipped with the exotic metal alloys, coatings and composites needed to operate at high temperatures.
Airlines say turbine components wear out faster and are sent to the shop earlier than originally expected.
On the other hand, details of competitors’ companies are even worse, reports “Bloomberg”.