Spare Component Shortages Are Grounding Flights

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, several airlines are compelled to ground their flights due to a lack of spare parts for planes.

Lufthansa, Qatar, and Silver Airways are among the airlines experiencing a scarcity of aircraft parts. The airlines are grounding specific aircraft and requesting that their suppliers increase output to meet the demand for aviation parts.

Lufthansa, the largest airline in Germany, is one carrier dealing with component shortages, according to the research, and is sourcing components such as cabin panels from other countries.

Qatar Airways maintains an Airbus A380 superjumbo on standby if its aircraft are grounded due to a shortage of parts. Additionally, the company is flying its aircraft for fewer hours to mitigate engine maintenance delays.

Due to a lack of pilots and luggage handlers, many airlines have already experienced flight cancellations and delays at airports worldwide. This summer, a lack of spare components could cause additional travel disruptions for passengers.

Regional carrier Silver Airways told The Journal that it was “very difficult” to procure parts, so one or two of its about 20 aircraft were grounded. It was stated that one aircraft was grounded for more than a week because it could not procure the required tools.

Manufacturers of aeroplane parts are seeking to increase output in order to avoid delivery delays as summer travel increases. The Journal reported that CFM International is around two months behind schedule with the supply of new engines and is working with its suppliers to expedite deliveries.

Rolls-Royce is also suffering delays but is working with clients to find solutions, while competitor Pratt & Whitney plans to increase engine deliveries by the end of the year.

This summer, airlines have already reduced their flight schedules in response to the disruptions, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic’s effect on travel demand.

Source: Business Insider