Pratt & Whitney issue directive to inspect A330 engines

Airline Industry Information, Dec 11, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Pratt & Whitney, a US aeroengine manufacturer, issued a directive on 8 December for airlines to inspect the engines of all Airbus A300 aircraft for possible faults.

The directive was issued after several airlines indicated on Friday that they had discovered cracking in the mounting nuts of Airbus A330 aircraft fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines. Pratt & Whitney have stated that the problem is not widespread, but have nevertheless advised all airlines to inspect their aircraft.

The Airbus A330 is manufactured in France and the French civil aviation authority has issued a directive that the aircraft be grounded for inspection.

Swissair grounded 11 of its 15 A330 aircraft and Sabena grounded six of its seven aircraft, while Malaysian Airlines System Bhd also grounded five Airbus A330 aircraft on 9 December and expected to have all inspections completed by today (11 December). Swissair gave its aircraft the all-clear on Saturday after an inspection.

Emirates airline of Dubai has indicated that its aircraft were not affected by the order because all of its A300-200 aircraft are equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, Reuters reported.

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