European Airline Growth Plans Hit by Persistent Engine Supply Chain Challenges

Europe– Wizz Air, the largest operator of the A321neo globally, has announced that it expects ongoing disruptions through the end of 2027 due to persistent issues with Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G engines. The airline currently has 38 aircraft grounded, primarily A321neos, which continue to impact both its operational capacity and financial performance.

• 38 A320neo family aircraft are grounded, down from a peak of 60 aircraft a year ago

• The issue stems from a manufacturing defect in powdered metal components within high-pressure turbine and compressor sections of the P&W GTF engines

• Aircraft grounded represent nearly 22% of Wizz Air’s next-gen fleet; current orders for 267 additional aircraft remain at risk of delivery delays

• CEO Jozsef Varadi stated, “We don’t fully control our destiny here; we are at the mercy of the manufacturer.”

• CFO Ian Malin added at a recent ISTAT conference that engine turnaround times have not improved as promised by Pratt & Whitney: “Right now, Pratt is showing some availability of engines, but the overall turnaround time is not improving... We’ve been dealing with it now for two-and-a-half years.”

Source: Wizz Air