WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive expanding inspection requirements for CFM International Leap-1A engines to include those operating in South Asia. This regulatory action responds to data indicating that these engines, which power Airbus A320neo jets, suffer from the same dust-induced turbine blade cracks and accelerated deterioration previously identified in Middle Eastern operations. Effective in 16 days, the order mandates specific borescope inspections for high-pressure turbine blades; however, the FAA notes that no US-registered aircraft are currently affected by this directive.

CFM International characterizes the situation as a known issue, stating that operators have already been complying with previously issued service bulletins to prevent operational disruptions. The problem arises from the engine's high-efficiency design, which runs at higher temperatures and pressures, making internal components more vulnerable to distress in dusty environments. To mitigate these failures, CFM has developed a durability kit featuring redesigned components, with approximately one-third of the global Leap-1A fleet already updated with the new configuration.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/faa-expands-leap-1a-dust-related-inspections-to-engines-operated-in-south-asia/165666.article

KUALA LUMPUR - AirAsia expects its first Airbus A321LR aircraft to enter the fleet in 2026, marking an important step in bringing greater alignment between its short- and medium-haul operations.

The group plans to receive four A321LRs that year, all converted from existing A321neo orders. Executives note that the long-range variant will give the airline added flexibility as it refines its network strategy and evaluates how best to position capacity across AirAsia and AirAsia X. While the carrier has not yet detailed specific routes for the type, the aircraft are viewed as a tool for strengthening connectivity and supporting future growth plans across the broader AirAsia network.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airasia-expects-a321lr-deliveries-to-begin-in-2026/165641.article
Author: Alfred Chua 

MONTREAL, Canada - Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is actively pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for two new engine models: the PT9A-11 turboprop and the PW220A turboshaft. According to regulatory documents published in December 2025, the company has filed requests to exempt both engines from specific shaft overspeed regulations. The PT9A-11 is described as a "new centreline" engine and a potential successor to the widely used PT6A series. P&WC states that this new turboprop is designed to offer lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs.

Parallel to the turboprop development, P&WC is seeking certification for the PW220A, a new turboshaft engine designed for helicopters. The company originally applied for the PW220A's type certificate in November 2021 and claims the new model will be more efficient than existing options. This engine appears to be an evolution of the current PW200 series, which powers various twin-engine aircraft from manufacturers such as Airbus, Bell, and Leonardo, though P&WC has not disclosed specific power output details for the new model.

The regulatory exemptions requested for both the PT9A-11 and PW220A specifically concern rules regarding shaft overspeed protection. P&WC has asked the FAA to exclude "complete" rotor shafts from certain overspeed calculations, citing the high reliability of the "integral stub shafts" found in the high-pressure compressors and turbines of these new designs. The company argues that these components have calculated lifespans that far exceed their declared service lives, leveraging design best practices to ensure safety without strictly adhering to the standard exclusion limitations.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/pratt-and-whitney-canada-working-to-certificate-pt9a-11-turboprop-and-pw220a-turboshaft-engines/165633.article