Air New Zealand said its Airbus 320 planes may be affected. Photo: 123RF
Air New Zealand is warning its flight schedules could be significantly affected early next year because of the need for checks on some of its engines.
Engine maker Pratt & Whitney has widened the number of engines needed to be checked globally for possible microscopic cracks in the engines' fans.
Air New Zealand said it has 16 Airbus 320 and 321NEO aircraft, which may be affected.
The planes are used mainly on services to Australia and the Pacific Islands, and to a lesser extent on domestic routes.
"This issue will further reduce engine availability and is expected to have a significant impact on the airline's schedule from January 2024," the airline said in a statement.
"While there is no immediate impact to Air New Zealand's flights, it is likely the airline will need to make adjustments to its schedule in coming months, some of which may be significant."
It said it would work with Pratt & Whitney to work out a new maintenance plan over the next couple of months, and assess how it would affect its future schedule.
"It does not present a safety issue," the airline said.
The carrier said it would notify customers once the affect on schedules was known, and in the meantime asked customers not to call.