Hawaiian Airlines Addresses A321 Engine Woes, Extends A330 Leases for Capacity Stability

Hawaiian Airlines (HA) is facing operational challenges due to the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine recall issue, expecting up to four of its A321-200N aircraft to be grounded at any given time. The airline operates eighteen A321-200Ns on various routes, and two of these aircraft are currently grounded awaiting engine inspections.

CEO Peter Ingram highlighted the “significant near-term challenge” during an earnings call, stating that the airline anticipates having between two and four aircraft out of service in the coming months due to the engine issues. Ingram mentioned that engine removals, not related to the recall, have contributed to increased flight cancellations in the early part of the current quarter.

In response to the engine challenges, Hawaiian Airlines has extended the leases on four A330-200s, originally set to be returned in 2024. The two-year lease extensions will now see these aircraft returned to their lessors in 2026. This strategic move is aimed at covering capacity shortfalls and maintaining network plans amid ongoing A321 engine challenges.

The A321 engine issues stem from a Pratt & Whitney engine recall initiated by a rare condition in powder metal used for certain engine parts, impacting PW1100G engines manufactured between 2015 and 2020. Hawaiian Airlines CEO Ingram disclosed that the airline has reached short-term compensation agreements with Pratt & Whitney over the engine spares supply failure, but discussions for further compensation beyond the current deal are ongoing. Ingram emphasized the need for more certainty around engine availability for effective medium and long-term planning.

Hawaiian Airlines remains focused on managing the impact of the A321 engine challenges and ensuring stability in its operations. Stay tuned for further updates as the airline navigates through these operational hurdles.