Is this really problem with fuel quality? I.E too much moisture content.
These RR/777s have been service for 10+ years so why now?
Most engine manuafacturers allow a maximum of around 30ppm of water in fuel, however as the JARs mandate fuel tanks to be always vented to atmosphere (i.e. pressurisation of fuel tanks on civil airliners is not allowed) . Alot of moisture condenses within the fuel tanks when aircrafts descend into humid regions ices up. and due to quick turn around ice never gets time to melt and this is main reason for build up of higher concentrations of water in fuel tanks.
As for why this problem has escalated now it mainly down to luck.The 777 crash landing at heathrow highlighted problems with a specific type of heat exchanger prone to icing blockage and since now it is known problem authorities have to act.
Tks for the insight
And in a recent development:
Carriers are on track to complete, within six months, modification of nearly 1,900 Trent engines considered vulnerable to the fuel icing which brought down a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER two years ago.
UK investigators have formally concluded that flight BA038 from Beijing crashed on approach to London Heathrow after a highly-unusual set of circumstances conspired to restrict the fuel flow to both Trent 800 engines. Continue reading...