Airbus Jets Grounded Due to Engine Problems, Adding to Aviation Industry’s 2024 Woes

As if airlines didn’t have enough on their plate this year — from the grounding of the 737 MAX to fare wars and potential strikes — now they’re facing engine troubles. Engines designed by RTX’s Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce are causing emergency inspections, grounding planes, and disrupting schedules. And the airlines flying Airbus planes are feeling it the most.
That’s not all… Last week, operators of the Airbus A350-1000 were ordered to carry out emergency checks of the Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines after fuel leaks in two incidents. This forced Cathay Pacific, which flies a large portion of the 86 A350-1000s in service, to cancel 45 flights. It seems Airbus is joining Boeing in the “plane problem” spotlight. For airlines and passengers alike, more grounded planes could mean increased delays, cancellations, and travel headaches.