Philippine Carrier Expects Engine Reliability Issues to Clear by 2028

Philippines – Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest low-cost carrier and one of the region’s most active A320neo operators, has revised its outlook on resolving the ongoing Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engine reliability issues, now projecting a complete return to normal operations by 2028. The updated timeline reflects continued global supply-chain strain affecting inspection cycles, part availability, and MRO throughput.

• Cebu Pacific confirmed that 12–14 aircraft remain grounded as of late 2025—around 12% of its total fleet—due to the powdered-metal defect affecting certain components within PW1100G engines powering its A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

• The airline noted that the number of grounded units has exceeded earlier projections, with global MRO capacity stretched across all affected operators.

• Supply-chain delays and extended turnaround times for engine overhauls have compelled the carrier to scale back its fleet and capacity planning. Cebu Pacific had targeted up to 25% capacity growth, but this has been revised downward to approximately 15%, despite strong passenger demand.

Cebu Pacific originally anticipated a full recovery by end-2026, later updated to late-2027, but now expects a complete “flush-out” of the issue by 2028, dependent largely on global MRO availability and Pratt & Whitney’s parts supply recovery trajectory.

Source: Cebu Pacific