Commentary by Igor Petyashin, Head of the heavy aircraft control Department - Chief Aviation Inspector of Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC on the situation of the Airbus А321/А320neo aircraft.

Air Astana currently operates 8 aircraft of the А321/А320neo type (since the end of 2016). This type of aircraft was developed on the basis of innovative technologies, and one of the important systems of the aircraft is an upgraded engine, which allows to achieve more thrust with less fuel consumption.

Due to the fact that the engine design was enhanced achieving higher performance indicators, in the first years of operation, production design deficiencies appeared both on Airbus and Boeing aircraft. According to obtained information from the operators, this model is constantly being improved by manufacturer. The main disadvantages of these engines identified during operation in Kazakhstan are the blades of the low pressure compressor and the gearbox of the oil system.

Currently, the drawback of the gearbox oil system is completely eliminated. At Air Astana, this unit is currently being installed in a reinforced version. The airline also works to replace the engine compressor blades with a reinforced one in conjunction with the Airbus Pratt&Whitnеу. New aircraft models come with fully modified engines.