SWISS Airbus Groundings Disrupt Summer Schedule Amid Profit Maximization Goals

Monday, July 8, 2024

SWISS International Air Lines, often referred to as SWISS, is facing a tough summer as it prepares to ground six of its Airbus A320neo aircraft due to ongoing issues with certain batches of Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines, which are vital for the performance of these next-generation planes.

Operational Challenges in Peak Season

The summer holiday season is a crucial period for airlines, as they strive to operate at full capacity and maximize profits. Unfortunately, SWISS will not be able to reach its full operational potential this season. The airline’s fleet mainly consists of Airbus aircraft, with a few exceptions such as the Boeing 777-300ERs. The problematic engines affect the A320neo and A321neo models, forcing SWISS to ground four A320neos and two A321neos.

Engine Defects and Recall Impact

The engines in question have defective metallic components due to contamination in the powered metal used during manufacturing, leading to early cracking and reduced engine lifespans. In response, Pratt & Whitney recalled 1,200 of the 3,000 engines produced as of June 2023. Luckily, SWISS’s A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft, which use PW1500G engines, are not affected by this particular issue. However, the PW1500G engines have their own problems, such as excessive corrosion on the high-pressure compressor front hubs, resulting in shorter lifespans and increased maintenance needs.

Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Issues

Although many reliability issues with the PW1000G engines have been addressed on the ground, there have been several in-flight failures. SWISS has experienced four incidents involving the PW1500G-powered A220s:

1. October 13, 2018 – A SWISS A220-100 had to shut down an engine mid-flight due to a faulty O-ring seal in the engine’s fuel oil cooler.
2. July 29, 2019 – A low-pressure compressor (LPC) disintegrated during ascent, causing an engine failure and necessitating a diversion to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
3. September 16, 2019 – Another LPC failure occurred during a climb, with the rotor separating and creating a hole in the compressor casing. The crew diverted to Geneva, leading to an FAA airworthiness directive requiring borescope inspections on the PW1500G engines.
4. October 15, 2019 – A similar LPC issue occurred, with the rotor separating and blowing a hole in the casing, prompting SWISS to ground its entire A220 fleet for inspections.

Despite these challenges, SWISS remains committed to maintaining safety and reliability across its fleet. The summer season may present obstacles, but proactive measures and ongoing maintenance efforts aim to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety.

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