Airline CEOs Put Engine OEMs Under Fire | Aviation Week

Airline CEOs pressed engine OEMs to ensure technological readiness before delivery during a panel at Aviation Festival Americas in Miami. LATAM Airlines Group chief Roberto Alvo argued that customers end up paying when reliability problems disrupt operations, noting that newer engines offer about 15% fuel savings but may not justify the risk if maintenance costs rise. WestJet’s Alexis von Hoensbroech called current engine challenges a fundamental reliability issue and warned that predictable problems persist across LEAP, Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan, and Rolls-Royce platforms. He criticized the aftermarket business model, saying repair profits from premature removals undermine long-term airline relationships and urged traditional engineering and repair solutions.