Airbus is reportedly restricting some aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines from operating in extreme cold.
According to Reuters, the European aerospace manufacturer has changed its procedures and now limits takeoffs using Pratt-made engines in severe icing conditions, freezing fog, and visibility of less than 150 meters, or about 490 feet.
The outlet cited an unnamed Airbus spokesperson. The change in policy was first reported by industry publication aeroTELEGRAPH.
Airbus told Reuters that it is in contact with airline customers, and that Pratt is working on a fix. The company’s spokesperson did not say what specific problem, if any, prompted a reconsideration of the engines’ reliability in cold weather.
Pratt & Whitney engines power A320neo-family and A220-family aircraft.
Pratt in 2023 issued a recall for its GTF engines after discovering that contaminated metal powder was used in the production of some parts. It is still carrying out inspections and repairs on those engines for airlines around the world.
