Airline chiefs slam engine makers for delays at industry summit

Airline chiefs pressed engine makers at the industry summit, underscoring ongoing delays that keep jets grounded and raise repair costs. At the International Air Transport Association gathering in Rio de Janeiro, executives cited long waits for engine inspections and repairs as a persistent constraint despite some signs of improvement. LATAM Brasil CEO Jerome Cadier said his carrier currently has 12 single-aisle aircraft grounded because of engine issues. Airlines pointed to engines from RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce, with the A320neo fleet most affected and a Pratt manufacturing problem weighing on output. RTX and GE Aerospace said they are expanding repair and production capacity, and Pratt emphasized efforts to improve geared turbo fan engine durability. Industry leaders cautioned that engine shortages could dominate the market for years. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned that the largest constraint over the next five years would be an engine shortage, potentially limiting growth. GE and Pratt acknowledged challenges, while Kirby named Rolls-Royce as the remaining concern. WestJet’s Alexis von Hoensbroech cited higher maintenance costs, and Azul CEO John Rodgerson said some engines are not lasting as long as anticipated. Lessor Avolon’s Andy Cronin noted early signs of improvement but said the global fleet remains tight. Executives stressed that supply constraints, not demand, will shape the near-term recovery.