Airbus Engine Supplier To Make Dozens Of Replacements After Reports Of Defects

Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney will reportedly see defective engines eat into a substantial portion of its annual production target.

Bloomberg reports that of Pratt's annual goal of 350 to 400 engines, more than 50 would be "spare engines" to replace those with "combustion-chamber and bearing distress."

Aviation regulators in India — home to the largest number of Pratt-powered Airbus A320neo jets — said in February that 42 engines were prematurely removed worldwide.

Pratt, a subsidiary of United Technologies, said that numerous modifications were already implemented and that more are planned later this year.

“Pratt & Whitney, with the support of Airbus, is in close contact with the Indian authorities to address technical issues and provide solutions in a timely manner,” the company told Bloomberg in a statement.

Although executives previously characterized the defects as "teething problems" with its quieter and more efficient new engine, reserving a sizeable chuck of production for replacement engines could complicate deliveries of new aircraft.

The problems reportedly already jeopardized a Qatar Airways order for A320neo jets.