A Chinese aviation specialist has reported that certain high-pressure turbine blades in GE Aerospace engines used on Boeing 787 aircraft are experiencing premature damage. The issue raises concerns about the reliability of American aerospace products, particularly as scrutiny over US manufacturing quality intensifies.
The study found that cracks can develop in some blades after approximately 1,000 flight cycles, potentially leading to metal fragments breaking away. According to Xia Xiaofeng, the author of the study, the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet recorded five engine removals due to defects in Phase 2/2+ HPT blades, all involving material loss near cooling holes on the blades’ convex surfaces.
Airlines now face a challenging decision: whether to replace the affected engines or continue operating under stricter inspection protocols. The findings highlight a growing debate over the durability and safety of key components in modern aircraft engines.