HCMC – Vietnam Airlines has said that it will suspend operating 12 A321 aircraft, which represents 20% of its primary fleet for domestic services, for engine maintenance, the local media reported.
The CEO of the national flag carrier, Le Hong Ha, speaking on the sidelines of the International Aviation Summit (IAS) held on February 28, said that supply chain disruptions and labor shortages are among the biggest challenges facing the civil aviation industry.
He said engines, spare parts and aircraft maintenance facilities were not enough for aircraft maintenance. The maintenance duration of an Airbus A350 aircraft engine has risen from 100-120 days to 250-300 days.
Concerns surrounding Pratt & Whitney engines have impacted over 3,500 aircraft globally, including the Vietnam Airlines fleet. With 12 Airbus A321s in need of maintenance, the airline will see a 20% reduction in operational capacity for its narrow-body fleet, which consists of 60 aircraft.
Vietnam Airlines is intensifying efforts to ensure stable and efficient operations of its current aircraft.
