Pratt & Whitney says engine maintenance disruption easing

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 21 (Reuters) - Jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney RTX.N said on Tuesday that the number of aircraft grounded as a result of engine-related issues had fallen 40% from an unspecified peak and had virtually disappeared for the small Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 models.

The RTX unit has been wrestling with maintenance delays and metal contamination issues that contributed to an industry crisis over engine shortages and left hundreds of aircraft idle.

Commercial Engines President Rick Deurloo told a news conference that groundings on the smallest aircraft would fall to zero in coming months. He declined to say how many larger Airbus A320neo jets remained grounded but noted steady improvement. Reports say the number peaked at around 500 planes.