A deepening global shortage of maintenance capacity for the world's most widely used next-generation jet engines is crippling airline operations and risks worsening as aircraft fleets expand, the International Air Transport Association said on Wednesday.
A study released by IATA and consulting firm Emerton found that durability problems, shortages of spare parts and limited access to maintenance capacity have created significant challenges for airlines operating CFM International LEAP engines and Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan engines, which power most newly delivered single-aisle aircraft.
The industry group warned that maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity is struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving airlines to grapple with grounded aircraft, higher costs and increasingly complex fleet planning.
The number of grounded aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines peaked at 648 in March 2025, equivalent to 28 percent of the global GTF fleet, as operators waited for engine shop visits, spare engines or replacement parts, the report said.
Affected airlines have been forced to retain older aircraft for longer, extend leases or source additional aircraft to maintain capacity, according to the study.
