Today I spoke to one of the engineers who looked after this fleet who corrected me - $15 million USD each for 6 engines!. The aircraft were parked in Auckland against advice to Management. The only engine to remain servivable was the spare in the hangar. The rest are toast with major corrosion and water damage... I would imagine that a few people have been invited to tea and biscuits in the boardroom over this!

It is not uncommon that a lot of people on aviation company boards don't know the basic principles relating to the management of airframes and engines however, many are highly skilled in the art of obfuscation.

There are aircraft long term storage procedures in the Maintenance Manual - obviously not followed (or not followed correctly). And Auckland wouldn't exactly be a first choice as a good place for long term storage. There are good storage areas fairly close in Australia.
Did they layoff all the people that knew that?

Maybe they figured with them retiring all the 777's the cost to maintain them and the engines would cost more than planes were worth

Are they leased, if so they will have to be returned to service. Does Air ENZED own them, in which case if they haven’t followed the MM procedures for storage then the insurers will not want to know about them. Seems like a complete waste of money by execs who knew no better……….Bonuses all round I say……..

The cost doesn't look that bad when seen in terms of modern executive remuneration.

Haha, love it!

According to DM they have been stored according to Boeing. Sounds like porkies from somewhere, surely Boeing wouldn't of got it that wrong

Aircraft were stored as per Boeing, engines are leased so were also stored in consultation with GE and as per the maintenance contract requirements.
No ones going to argue that Auckland wasn't the best location for long term storage, but this notion that some rogue managers just did their own thing is pure nonsense. Be it the OP or his Engineering "contact" someone's inflating the story....

Last update from Fleet was that of the 3 Aircraft in Auckland, we've got good engines for 1 of them while 4 engines are currently in the shop. Sounds like Corrosion in the Compressor and/or Turbine section(s) requiring new blades. If that equates to $15M repairs to $20M engines then color me surprised. However, exactly how much it will cost and who will be paying how much (Leased engines on Maintenance contact) has not been released.

The story is now getting a run on Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/ind...eing-777300ers

i.e. "Nothing to see here, move along please"

Good old Stuff. They catch up. Eventually.
You'll see that same piece still running in two or three weeks time...

I have seen the pictures... Surface corrosion my rectum!

I am encouraged by the fact that Air New Zealand are proudly claiming that they managed themselves into this situation.

Given the apparent bitterness I take it you are an ex employee?

Haha, just a cynical observer.

Ah, the good old NZ tall poppy syndrome strikes again then.

Taller than what? A hobbit?