Wizz Air struggles as Pratt & Whitney engines force Airbus grounding

In Hungary, Wizz Air is navigating significant challenges due to engine issues with its fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, specifically concerning engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. In response to the discovery of microscopic cracks in the turbine blades, Wizz Air has grounded about 40 of its planes to conduct necessary inspections. This situation has forced the airline to negotiate with Pratt & Whitney, resulting in a two-year compensation and support agreement that aims to cover direct costs linked to the grounded aircraft and provide operational assistance. As part of the efforts to mitigate the financial fallout, Wizz Air's operating profits recently took a significant hit, dropping by a third to 349.2 million euros due to these operational disruptions. The airline is taking proactive steps to address the situation, working closely with Pratt & Whitney to expedite the return of grounded planes to service. The challenges faced by Wizz Air highlight broader industry issues related to aircraft engine reliability and the financial ramifications for airlines reliant on specific manufacturers. In light of these developments, Wizz Air anticipates a return to growth by 2026. This forecast is largely based on the support from Pratt & Whitney and the planned delivery of 50 new Airbus A321neo aircraft, slated for introduction into its fleet in the 2025-2026 period. The addition of these aircraft is intended to expand Wizz Air's flight program by approximately 20%, which is crucial for the carrier as it seeks to recover from the recent downturn caused by the engine troubles. Moreover, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining operational capacity and the critical need for airlines to ensure the reliability of their aircraft components. As Wizz Air implements its recovery plan, the ongoing relationship with Pratt & Whitney will be a determining factor in how quickly the airline can stabilize its operations and resume its growth trajectory in the competitive low-cost airline market.