Airlines get grounded jets flying again, but engine bills linger

Airlines are getting older grounded aircraft and engines back in service, but the financial fallout from a years-long engine crisis is taking longer to shrink. Air New Zealand said engine problems at one point left up to 20% of its fleet unavailable, forcing it to lease additional aircraft and engines to protect schedules. The crisis was linked to durability issues on newer engines and Pratt & Whitney powder-metal problems that triggered accelerated inspections and removals, worsened by shortages of labor, parts, and repair capacity. Reuters analysis of U.S. Transportation Department data found reported engine-related spending rose about 68% from 2019 to 2025, even as flight hours increased far less.