Jetstar to ask GE to explain engine breakdown

Australian low-cost airline Jetstar has asked aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric for an explanation after a near-new engine had to be shut down during a mid-air flight from Tokyo to Gold Coast.

NewsCorp reported on Tuesday that the GEnx model engine fitted on a Boeing 787 had to be shut down after a warning light appeared indicating oil pressure problems on the flight on Sunday, prompting it to be diverted to Guam.

Jetstar spokesman said the aircraft's engine had been installed three months ago to replace an engine of the same model that was only nine months' old. The older engine was repaired and put into another aircraft.

The spokesman said it was unusual to have an issue like this so soon into the life of an aircraft engine adding that the airline had sought an explanation from the manufacturer on the matter.

"Boeing 787s can fly safely on one engine," a Jetstar spokesman said.

"GE (General Electric) has a team which is working with our engineers to understand what occurred," the spokesman said.

This is not the first time an airline has been experiencing mid-air engine problems. In April, another 787, operated by Xiamen Airlines, had an engine shut down because of an oil pressure problem.

And in February, an Air India 787 also switched off one engine after encountering problems.

Despite the problems, Boeing 787s are designed to fly safely on one engine.

A spokeswoman for GE declined to comment but said that the company was working with Jetstar on the matter.

"We ... expect to know more in the next 24 hours," she told NewsCorp. Endit