RTX expects GTF groundings to peak this quarter

RTX expects that the number of aircraft on ground for repairs of Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofans with contaminated powder metal parts will peak this first quarter to 350. From there, AOG should come down, which partly is the effect of airlines collectively re-planning their fleets, and partly from progress made with inspections and repairs.

RTX first communicated the powder metal contamination problem

in July, explaining that High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) and High-Pressure Combustor (HPC) disks were identified with contaminated powder metal. The parts, produced between Q4 2015 and Q3 2021, are life-limited and require ultrasonic inspections and replacement with newer parts without restrictions.