Airlines Ground 737s Following CFM56 Engine Failures

Airlines Ground Boeing 737s Amid CFM56 Engine Failures

Aerolíneas Argentinas has grounded eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft as a precautionary measure following a series of engine failures involving their CFM56-7B engines. This decision follows a recent incident in which a flight from Buenos Aires to Córdoba was forced to divert to Ezeiza International Airport due to an engine malfunction. This event marks the fourth such failure within the past year, raising significant concerns about the reliability of these engines.

Engine Reliability and Industry Implications

The CFM56-7B engines, manufactured by CFM International—a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines—have reportedly experienced failures well before reaching the recommended service interval of 17,200 flight cycles. None of the affected engines had approached this threshold, prompting Aerolíneas Argentinas to describe the grounding as a “preventative” action. The airline emphasized that the issue is confined to the engines themselves and does not impact the structural integrity of the aircraft. A formal technical assessment has been requested from the manufacturer to investigate the root causes.

This development reflects broader challenges confronting the global aviation industry, which is grappling with engine reliability concerns alongside ongoing supply chain disruptions. For instance, Spirit Airlines recently secured $72 million in credits from Pratt & Whitney due to grounded aircraft equipped with GTF engines experiencing similar issues. Mauritania Airlines has responded by selecting StandardAero to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for its CFM56-7B engines. Other carriers, including Ascend Airways, are also facing reliability challenges, particularly with newer LEAP-1B engines. Industry analysts warn that supply chain constraints could impose costs exceeding $11 billion on airlines in 2025, driven by increased fuel expenses, maintenance and leasing costs, and surplus inventory. In response, Safran has initiated construction of a new LEAP MRO facility in Casablanca, scheduled to open in 2027, aiming to alleviate maintenance bottlenecks.

Pilots’ Response and Safety Concerns

The Asociación de Pilotos de Líneas Aéreas (APLA), representing Aerolíneas Argentinas pilots, has declared that its members will refuse to operate the eight affected 737 aircraft. The union criticized what it described as an “alarming lack of management” and is demanding a comprehensive mitigation plan to address the safety risks. APLA attributes the recurring engine failures to systemic issues rather than isolated incidents and has called for an urgent review of the airline’s technical oversight procedures. The union has made clear that the airline bears responsibility for any flight cancellations or delays resulting from the grounding.

Details of the Latest Incident

The most recent engine failure occurred on October 15, 2025, involving Flight AR1526, operated by a Boeing 737-800 registered as LV-FSK. While en route from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Córdoba (COR), the flight crew detected a technical failure in the number one engine. Declaring an emergency, the aircraft diverted safely to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). All 161 passengers and crew were unharmed and subsequently re-accommodated on an alternate flight. Operations at Aeroparque were temporarily suspended to facilitate the removal of metallic debris believed to have originated from the engine. The aircraft has since been withdrawn from service pending detailed inspections by both airline and manufacturer technical teams.

As airlines worldwide continue to face mounting operational and financial pressures stemming from engine reliability issues, the situation at Aerolíneas Argentinas highlights the urgent need for coordinated industry efforts to safeguard safety and reduce disruptions.