Wizz Air has announced that it will be grounding around 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft in its fleet until 2026 due to ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. The airline revealed the news in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting the significant impact that engine-related problems are having on its operations. The affected aircraft represent nearly 20% of Wizz Air’s A320neo fleet, which is a substantial portion of its current fleet of aircraft.
The core issue lies with the PW1100G-JM turbofan engines that power the A320neo family of aircraft. Wizz Air has cited problems related to powder metal issues in the engines, a problem that has also affected other airlines operating the same engine model. These issues have led to disruptions in the airline’s planned operations, forcing Wizz Air to ground a significant number of aircraft for extended periods.
In response to the situation, Wizz Air has signed a “commercial support agreement” with Pratt & Whitney, which includes a compensation package to help mitigate the financial impact of the engine troubles. The agreement is designed to provide support to the airline as it navigates the challenges posed by the grounding of its fleet and works towards resolving the engine issues.
This development comes at a challenging time for the aviation industry, which has been working hard to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grounding of these aircraft could potentially lead to capacity constraints for Wizz Air, affecting its ability to expand or maintain flight schedules as planned. However, the airline is optimistic that the agreement with Pratt & Whitney will help minimize the operational impact over the next few years.
The engine issues have affected multiple carriers worldwide, with several airlines operating Airbus A320neo aircraft encountering similar challenges with the PW1100G-JM turbofan engines. As Wizz Air works with Pratt & Whitney to resolve the problems, it remains committed to maintaining its high standards of service and minimizing disruptions for passengers. However, the grounding of these aircraft is likely to cause temporary adjustments in its operations, and the airline will continue to keep customers updated on any changes to flight schedules.
For now, the airline’s focus will be on addressing the engine-related issues, ensuring that its fleet operates safely, and working towards resuming full operations once the affected aircraft are cleared for service. The ongoing collaboration between Wizz Air and Pratt & Whitney underscores the airline’s commitment to resolving the problem while mitigating the impact on its operations and passengers.
