Brian Sumers on Recent Airline Concerns over Aircraft Engines

The Airline Observer Editor Brian Sumers discusses the recent airline concerns over aircraft engines.

[@wilsjane]

With the increasing complexity of these new engines, should the airlines invest in better equipped workshops and fully qualified staff, who can work proactively to eliminate potential faults. This would need to include holding higher stocks of spares, for immediate replacement during routine service. This would obviously cost money, but by preventing delays and cancellations, along with aircraft stuck in the hanger awaiting labour or parts, it would soon become cost effective. Limiting the number of aircraft types on the fleet would obviously help.

[@ibiro868]

Richard you are a national treasure.

[@cmadden92]

[@LforestIeric]

GE has no issues at all.

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Do a little research just a little then you`d understand the ridiculousness of your comment.

[@rafaelwilks]

GE leads, and RR plays catch-up. 😎

[@edwardwilcox6606]

This is a non-story really. All we have is a fuel-pipe malfunction which has been sorted efficiently causing Cathay as little inconvenience as possible. Regardless it`s well known in the industry that RR`s Trent XWB is the finest & most efficient turbine built to date, it`s the best we have until GE`s GE9X ( but no guarantee`s it`ll be issue-free after EIS ) is in service. It seems people enjoy spreading nonsense about RR these days & it certainly doesn`t help when you get a very high profile airline exec criticising an engine he has no personal experience of.

[@jhmcd2]

Ummm, no. The Rolls Royce Engines have had a history of problems. The only 777 crash caused by a mechanical failure was due to a design flaw in the RR engines, the 787 Trent 1000 engines had issues for years, causing problems with the 787 and leading to nearly 100 aircraft ether being grounded or loosing ETOPs certification temporary and that problem lasted for years and caused Norwegian Airlines to go under. Finally, this issue, the problem wasn't just on one aircraft, but 15 out of 18 jet plus was found on the JAL fleet. So no, its a problem. Meanwhile, the GE engines have had no such problem...outside of the GE9X. Its been grinding itself down as well, and is the reason why the 777X is behind as they had to redesign the engine.

[@edwardwilcox6606]

@@jhmcd2 You need to give up this GE fanboyism, it makes you say things others will only laugh at. Please look up GEnx problems & equate yourself with them you`ll understand then that any mechanical engine is liable to issues & unforseen problems whoever makes them.

[@jhmcd2]

@@edwardwilcox6606 How is that fanboyism? Also, the issues in 2013 and the more recent issues haven't lead to any groundings of aircraft in the longterm. Meanwhile, those issues I listed with RR, are not only real, but did lead to AD's and groundings. I don't really care about ether of these companies, just they get the job right. But I also know whats going on, I work in this industry. They are making the components to thin and to light and they are making them out of materials that often are not up to the challenge long term. Even Pratt & Whittney is having problems with their new Geared Turbofan. I am no fan of any of these companies, but RR is not the stellar company as you try to state, they have their problems and they have been far more critical than GE's.

[@roblancs]

Quest's voice is like a chainsaw going through steel.

[@jhmcd2]

I like how they push the concept that "its with the engine not the plane." CNN, when those other Boeing planes like all of United's issues, that 747 over Miami, where was this then?

[@LforestIeric]

Always RR, same was the issue with the trent 1000 on the 787, with the blades wearing out.

[@johanjacobs9240]

It all start with the Qantas A380 oil leak. That flight that blown the engine apart because of an oil fire inside the engine.

[@edwardwilcox6606]

That issue was rectified 4 years ago & it`s not just RR. At one time or another all turbine manufacturers have problems, it`s the nature of mechanics & the striving of getting the best out of an engine which means running them hotter for better efficiency which also puts pressure on metallurgical knowledge of which the boundaries are being stretched leading to issues.

[@England....]

you flight get done in Richard! cry!!!!!!

[@robbieCar]

First comment!

[@user-rg8ki1fl8f]

I dont like wizz air

[@kahhowong3417]

Speak to NATO.

[@shirleytwsw]

This is why emirates does not want A-350 -1000 poor reliability With Trent XWB if GE was allowed to compete airlines would choose that instead that Trent for 787 is garbage fan blades wearing out too soon

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Junk talk as usual. Emirates never wanted A350-1000 as they`d ordered B777X. They took another look because of countless delays of the Boeing aircraft but a deal wasn`t done. A350-1000 doesn`t have poor reliability it`s despatch reliability is excellent. GE doesn`t have an engine that is suitable for the A350 & T-1000 has many different airlines purchasing it for the B787 as the blade coating issue was fixed 4 years ago. Finally if anything you suggest was true could explain why AB`s orderbook for A350`s is full?!

[@shirleytwsw]

@@edwardwilcox6606 you take this way tooo seriously i said poor reliability with the engines not the plane manufacturer obviously GE does not have a dog in the fight but if they did half the A-350 1000 would have a GE equivalent