Weīve encountered massive problems with the HFPs: Either they donīt heat, generate smoke/smell, or overheat.
Apparently, it all comes from the choice of materials and joining them in areas of high mechanical load (the ladiesī heels, trolleys etc.). Fluid ingress does the rest.
AI and Goodrich (?) have been developing back and forth, and just prior to qualifiying a new type last year, it failed. Now, they moved on to use titanium panels
AFAIK.
The new type should be available in the coming months; hopefully, thatīll end the constant stream of HFPs that need replacement.
I donīt think disabling the HFPs has something to do with fuel saving.
Cheers,
J.V.