P&W engine delays cut C-Series deliveries

Bombardier announced that it is forced to cut the deliveries of its C Series airplanes in 2016 due to continuing delays from Pratt & Whitney (P&W), which produces the engines. The company has adjusted the C Series delivery forecast from 15 to 7 aircraft.

P&W recently released a new geared turbofan engine for the C Series and Airbus A320neo. However, P&W suffers from the inconsistent performance of its suppliers as the company attempts to increase production rates of the new engine to meet a hefty order backlog, as confirmed by Pratt President Bob Leduc.

Bombardier is concerned with solving the engine issue with P&W. “We are working very closely with Pratt & Whitney to quickly address this supplier ramp-up issue and to ensure we have a strong supplier base to support our long-term growth objectives,” – said Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft unit.

The Montreal-based company has already delivered two CS100s to SWISS. The third one is scheduled to be delivered to SWISS in October, and the CS300, the larger C Series model, is expected to enter service with airBaltic in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The announcement on the C Series delivery blows the engine cooling issue which was reported by Qatar Airways, an operator of A320neo. Later, the jet engine producer reported having fixed the issue. With the engine cooling solved, P&W is encountering another issue on its supply chain.