2024 Outlook: A Mixed Bag for Propulsion OEMs

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By Chris Sloan and Gordon Smith

January 11, 2033, © Leeham News: In 2023, a slew of problems plagued propulsion providers, with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Engine and supply-chain shortcomings grabbing the bulk of negative headlines and customer complaints. There were bright spots for all the big three with a slew of significant orders, emerging technologies, and critical management shifts.

As the calendar turns to 2024, all eyes will be on a return to fulfilling enormous backlogs, supporting OEM production rate increases, and returning GTF-propelled planes to the skies – while edging towards new technologies, both incremental and revolutionary.

Summary

• Pratt and its operators navigate massive AOGs (aircraft on ground) and unhappy customer claims for its GTF.
• The GTF Advantage closes in on EIS.
• GTF maladies open the door to a possible new platform, the long-mooted Airbus A220-500.
• The X66A Tranonic-Truss-Braced Wing offers promise for both Pratt’s GTF and GE’s future RISE engines.
• GEnx and GE-9X win blockbuster campaigns on the 787 and 777X as the 777X hurtles toward certification.
• CFM’s LEAP goes from strength to strength on the heels of MAX orders and 737-7 and 737-10 certification and entry-into-service.
• Fixing LEAP durability and delivery challenges.
• Rolls-Royce Trent troubles continue to draw the ire of customers.
• UltraFan testing moves forward in Roll’s quest to build a next-generation engine platform for the 2030s.