Wizz Air Aims to Resolve GTF Engine Groundings by 2027

Wizz Air is aiming to resolve the engine-related grounding of its Airbus fleet by the conclusion of 2027. Despite this ambition, the airline is still grappling with ongoing supply issues from Pratt & Whitney that have left many of its jets idle. Ian Malin, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, provided these insights at the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) conference in Prague.

Malin pointed out that the number of grounded Wizz Air aircraft has dropped from nearly 60 to 38, thanks to reduced inspection and repair wait times for Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) engines.

“Currently, our goal is to have the entire fleet operational by the end of 2027. This task will be difficult, especially with 38 aircraft still grounded,” Malin explained during the conference.

According to Wizz Air’s financial report for FY2025, which ended on March 31, 2025, the airline saw its operating profit plummet by 61.7%. This change brought the profit down from €437.9 million in FY2024 to €167.5 million, largely due to ongoing challenges.

The airline has struggled to compete financially with other European carriers and has a pessimistic outlook. Wizz Air reflects on a slower-than-expected recovery due to the extensive groundings stemming from GTF engine issues.

Since the beginning of 2023, Wizz Air has faced considerable challenges with its Airbus A320neo family, primarily due to powder metal defects in the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, resulting in extensive groundings across the globe.

Despite these hardships, Pratt & Whitney has stepped in with a support package to help Wizz Air alleviate some financial and operational burdens stemming from the affected aircraft.

How do you think Wizz Air can navigate these ongoing challenges in the airline industry?