Airlines face headache over ‘use-by’ date on some jet parts as pandemic grounds fleets

Airlines with planes idled by the pandemic are cutting costs by delaying some maintenance tasks like changing life vests, testing oxygen bottles and checking emergency exits under COVID-19 waivers from airplane manufacturers and regulators.

The move allows airlines to stop the clock on a category of parts that would otherwise need checks or pass their “use-by” date without leaving the ground because of the huge number of planes parked during the pandemic.

In special guidance to airlines, Airbus SE, Boeing Co, Brazil’s Embraer SA and turboprop manufacturer ATR say there is no risk to safety because the work will be done before the planes return to the skies.