BUSINESS NEWS


A shortage


of spare parts and increased maintenance


requirements are among factors


contributing to a steep spike in aircraft engine purchase and repair bills


Airlines face ‘out of control’ engine costs


Analysis: Carriers are braced for ‘significant cost inflation’. Ian Taylor explains


Aircraft engines have become more valuable than the aircraft they power as maintenance issues with the latest models and restrictions on the availability of spare parts has grounded hundreds of aircraft over the past two to three years. Engine prices have soared as a


result. Aircraft lessor Avolon noted this month that the engines on a new short-haul (single aisle) aircraft can account for 80% of the aircraft’s value and by the time the aircraft is six years old the engines will be worth more ‘off the wing’ than on it. The average age


56 19 FEBRUARY 2026


of commercial aircraft is 15 years. Just 20 years ago, the engines on


a new aircraft accounted at most for 30% of its value. The most up-to-date fuel-efficient


engines require more maintenance and therefore more time on the ground than the generation of engines they have replaced. But that problem has been compounded by both a shortage of spare parts and by US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney having to inspect hundreds of its GTF (geared turbofan) engines which power the Airbus A320neo after discovering a


defect which could cause cracks. Budget carrier Wizz Air has been


especially impacted by the Pratt & Whitney issue with more than 30 aircraft grounded at the start of this year, some for more than 12 months. Engine leasing costs have soared,


with the price of leasing engines for a short-haul aircraft more than the cost of leasing a replacement aircraft – an anomaly which has led to at least 17 A320neos and A321neos being


Continued on page 54 travelweekly.co.uk


BUSINESSNEWS


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