Hawaiian Airlines has been forced to halt two new seasonal summer routes and push back the start of another due to ongoing engine issues delaying delivery of new A321neo jets.
A fault with engine seals on the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines is delaying delivery, although the engine maker says it has developed a temporary fix which will keep the planes flying.
The routes affected are an additional summer flight from San Francisco to Honolulu and a seasonal Oakland-Kona route.
The new Oakland to Lihue route has also been deferred for the time being.
"While we anticipate some delays with upcoming deliveries, it is too early to know how they will be affected throughout the year as Airbus is currently adjusting its schedule to account for Pratt & Whitney’s engine retrofitting and production," the airline said.
Hawaiian is waiting on delivery of 18 A321neos fitted with the affected engines and expected to receive half of the order this year.
"We’re working with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney to understand the extent of the impact," said Hawaiian spokesman Alex Da Silva.
