British Airways has announced the suspension of all flights between London Gatwick and New York’s JFK airport until at least March 2025 due to ongoing issues with engine deliveries from Rolls-Royce. The cancellations affect one of the airline’s most popular routes, especially during the busy holiday period.
Impact and Reason for Cancellations
The flights, initially set to operate through the festive season, will be suspended from December 12, 2024, to March 25, 2025. The decision is linked to delays in receiving Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which power the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
British Airways stated, “We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.” The airline has assured affected passengers they will be rebooked on alternative flights, either with British Airways or partner airlines.
Disruption to Other Routes
The airline has also postponed the relaunch of its London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur route, initially planned for November 12, 2024. This route is now expected to resume in April 2025.
Rolls-Royce Supply Chain Issues
Rolls-Royce, the engine supplier, is struggling with supply chain constraints affecting the availability of replacement parts. A spokesperson for the company said, “We continue to work with British Airways and all of our customers to minimise the impact of the limited availability of spares due to the current supply chain constraints. Unfortunately, this is an issue affecting the entire aerospace industry.”
The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, known for its efficiency, powers British Airways’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. However, the supply delays have reduced the airline’s fleet capacity by 15%.
Future Plans and Industry Impact
British Airways has stated that its flights between London Heathrow and JFK are operating as normal despite the issues at Gatwick. The airline, which first launched the Gatwick to New York service in 2015, has faced a setback with this suspension. The move is expected to increase demand and potentially raise ticket prices on flights from Heathrow.
The suspension highlights the ongoing challenges within the aviation sector, as airlines worldwide struggle with supply chain disruptions and maintenance delays.
Customer Guidance
Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered rebooking options and advised to check their flight status regularly. British Airways has also urged customers experiencing financial difficulty due to cancellations to contact their customer service team for support.
Rolls-Royce and Boeing Response
The aerospace giant Rolls-Royce has reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue as swiftly as possible, while Boeing has expressed support for its airline partners, acknowledging the broader impact of the supply chain crisis.
British Airways is working closely with both companies to find solutions and minimise disruptions in the coming months.
