(Reuters) - An issue has been identified on some recently delivered Pratt & Whitney (N:UTX) GTF engines for European planemaker Airbus's (PA:AIR) A320neo aircraft, the two companies said on Friday
Pratt & Whitney said the problem related to the knife edge seal in the High Pressure Compressor (HPC) aft hub on the PW1100G-JM engine powering the A320neo.
Airbus said it had informed affected A320neo customers and operators, adding there are currently 113 Pratt & Whitney-powered A320neo aircraft flying with 18 customers.
Pratt & Whitney said in a statement the issue affected a "a limited subpopulation of engines," without elaborating.
Airbus said the two companies were assessing the situation and the European Aviation Safety Agency had published an Emergency Airworthiness Directive. Such a directive is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an aircraft's owner or operator.