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shortened lifespans for spare parts and supply chain snags . The airline is planning so much engine maintenance that it anticipates a capacity limitation in the fourth quarter of 2024 . To secure compensation for any future engine delays , the carrier has been actively negotiating a power-by-thehour ( PBH ) agreement with Pratt & Whitney . As CEO Martin Gauss told Airways during an interview at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow “ We are in continuous communication with Pratt & Whitney , and we are actively working together to resolve these issues as swiftly as possible .”
A primary issue with the PW1500G engines is their
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durability . Reports tell of premature wear and tear on certain components , which particularly affect airlines operating in hot , humid , and dusty environments . In July , Pratt & Whitney also disclosed defects with the powder metal used to produce its geared turbofan engines , which will make it necessary to perform more frequent inspections and maintenance than anticipated . This has the potential to can limit aircraft availability and increase operational costs for the single-aisle ’ s operators .
Another significant challenge has been posed by the supply chain for spares . The high demand for PW1500G engines and their components , coupled
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with manufacturing bottlenecks , has led to delays in the supply of parts needed for maintenance and repairs . This has occasionally resulted in extended groundings of aircraft , disrupting airBaltic ’ s flight schedules and reducing fleet utilization .
During Airways ’ recent visit to airBaltic ’ s maintenance , repair , and overhaul ( MRO ) hangar in Riga , the Vice President of Base Maintenance , Vjačeslavs Konstantinovs , emphasized the ongoing issues with the engines . “ Unfortunately , many operators are struggling with material issues ,” he admitted . “ Even if you have the time and resources , you can ’ t receive the ordered materials , and thus can ’ t complete the maintenance .”
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4 airBaltic ’ s Airbus A220- 300 fleet has completed approximately 178,000 flights , carried nearly 16,276,000 passengers , and flown for 392,000 block hours . |
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