Wizz Air announced today that it has signed a new support agreement with defence and aerospace company RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, as the low-cost Hungarian airline continues to grapple with ongoing engine issues. The agreement, which includes operational assistance and compensation for the direct costs associated with grounded aircraft, will extend through the end of 2026.
The airline, which operates an all-Airbus fleet, revealed that it expects 40 of its planes to remain grounded through fiscal year 2026. The grounding comes after Pratt & Whitney’s announcement in 2023 that over 1,000 of its engines, used in Airbus planes, required inspection for microscopic cracks, adding significant challenges to Wizz Air’s operations.
In September 2023, the airline had warned of a potential 10% reduction in capacity for the second half of fiscal 2024, due to the mandatory engine checks. The situation has continued to impact Wizz Air’s financial performance. In November, the airline reported a larger-than-expected decline in first-half profits, citing the ongoing engine inspection issues and the broader impact of regional conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Despite these setbacks, Wizz Air remains optimistic about its future growth. The airline stated that it expects to return to an expansion phase in 2026, with plans to take delivery of 50 new Airbus A321NEO aircraft. The addition of these planes is expected to drive a 20% increase in seat capacity during the year.
Wizz Air’s partnership with Pratt & Whitney is seen as a critical step in managing the ongoing engine issues, providing the airline with much-needed support to navigate these challenges. The compensation package outlined in the agreement is designed to offset the financial strain caused by the grounded planes.
As the airline faces headwinds from engine inspection delays and global economic uncertainties, Wizz Air’s focus on fleet expansion and increased capacity signals its determination to overcome these hurdles and return to growth in the coming years.
