AerCap concerned about new-engine reliability

The world’s biggest lessor, AerCap, is concerned about the reliability of the latest generation of engines. Powerplants need to be removed from the wing for maintenance, repair, and overhaul much sooner than expected. In the current environment of supply chain problems, this is most unwelcome, AerCap remarked in its HY1 2022 earnings release. AerCap concerned about new-engine reliability.

Reliability issues have been well-reported for various engines in the past few years. They include the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and 1000 TEN, the General Electric GEnx, the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan, and the CFM LEAP. The Trent XWB has been less prone to durability problems. It was believed that OEMs had addressed these issues with costly redesigns and updates, but apparently, AerCap is noting something different.

CEO Aengus Kelly presented a slide with a vicious circle for aircraft and engine supplies. Engine makers are under pressure to produce more as airframers (notably Airbus

and Boeing) want to aggressively ramp up production. Kelly noted that there are some 2.000 fewer narrowbody aircraft flying today than the OEMs had expected in their 2018 forecasts. This is largely down to lower rates caused by a number of reasons, including certification issues (Boeing MAX), staffing shortages, and supply chain problems. This has forced Airbus and Boeing to review and reduce their projected rates for the near future.