CFM jet engines delays mount due to supply chain and labour snags

Jet engine maker CFM International is facing industrial delays of six to eight weeks in the wake of supply-chain problems and some French labour unrest, but expects to claw most of this back by early in the fourth quarter, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Co-owned by General Electric Co and France’s Safran, CFM is the largest jet engine maker by units sold, and powers three out of four narrowbody jets including all Boeing 737 MAX and about half of Airbus’ A320neo.

Some Airbus customers have been warned deliveries of aircraft, already partially delayed by European factory congestion, could be pushed back further as a result of the CFM engine delays, said the people, who asked not to be named.

Two of the people said there had also been delays in sending engines to Boeing though there were no immediate signs that this was affecting airplane deliveries. Boeing is building at a slower rate as it clears jets stored during a safety crisis.