By the end of 2027, Wizz Air Holdings PLC hopes to have every one of its grounded Airbus jets back in the sky — a goal that feels increasingly urgent as the airline’s profits continue to bleed. The announcement came from Ian Malin, CFO, at the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) conference in Prague, where he confirmed that 38 aircraft remain grounded due to persistent issues with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines. That’s down from nearly 60 at the peak, but it’s still a massive operational headache. And here’s the twist: even as they struggle to fix this mess, Wizz Air just ordered 177 more planes — all powered by the same engines.
Why the Groundings Are Still Haunting Wizz Air
The problem traces back to tiny, invisible flaws in the powder metal components of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engines. These defects, first discovered in 2023, trigger mandatory inspections that can take months to schedule. With parts in short supply and repair slots booked years in advance, Wizz Air’s fleet has been caught in a slow-motion gridlock. The airline’s fiscal year 2025 results, ending March 31, showed operating profit plunged 61.7% to €167.5 million — from €437.9 million the year before. "Slower than expected recovery driven by the high level of groundings," the company bluntly admitted.At one point, AirInsight reported 41 aircraft on ground (AOG) in late June 2025. Even now, Simple Flying estimates that just under 20% of Wizz Air’s A320neo fleet will stay grounded through fiscal year 2026 — meaning roughly 40 planes will be out of service at any given time. That’s not just a logistical nightmare; it’s a revenue killer. With fewer planes flying, Wizz Air can’t match the frequency of rivals like Ryanair or easyJet. Passengers notice. Routes get cut. Margins shrink.
The Irony of Betting More on the Same Engine
Here’s where things get surreal. On June 17, 2025 — just weeks before Malin’s sobering update in Prague — József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air, stood at the Paris Air Show in Paris and announced a massive order: 177 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft, all powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. That brings Wizz Air’s total GTF-powered orders to 453. The company plans to grow its fleet to 500 aircraft within a decade."GTF engine technology delivers the most economical solution," Váradi said, touting fuel efficiency and lower emissions. "It’s in line with our Customer First Compass strategy."
But here’s the unspoken tension: how can you call something "the most economical" when it’s tying up 40 planes and costing you hundreds of millions in lost revenue? The answer lies in long-term calculus. Wizz Air believes the fuel savings and environmental benefits will eventually outweigh the short-term pain. And Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has offered a commercial support agreement — operational help and a compensation package — though Malin admitted, "We have not yet seen any improvement in the supply issues."
The Human Cost Behind the Numbers
Behind every grounded aircraft is a crew sitting idle, a route canceled, a passenger left stranded. In Budapest, where Wizz Air is headquartered, employees are working overtime to rebook passengers, negotiate with airports, and manage the fallout. Pilots and cabin crew are being reassigned — sometimes across continents — just to keep flights running. Some have taken temporary roles in customer service. Others have left for competitors with more reliable fleets.It’s not just about money. It’s about trust. When a budget airline can’t deliver on its promise of frequent, on-time flights, customers start looking elsewhere. Wizz Air’s on-time performance has slipped. Online reviews mention delays more often. One passenger in Bucharest told a local reporter, "I booked this flight because it was cheap. But now I’m not sure I’ll book again. What if they cancel at the last minute?"
What’s Next? A Race Against Time
Wizz Air’s plan hinges on two things: Pratt & Whitney fixing the supply chain, and the airline managing its existing fleet with surgical precision. The company is prioritizing repairs on aircraft with the highest utilization rates — those flying the busiest routes like London to Warsaw or Budapest to Tel Aviv. It’s also leasing temporary replacements, though narrowbody jets are in global short supply.By 2027, the goal is clear: zero grounded GTF-powered aircraft. But that’s a tall order. Even if Pratt & Whitney ramps up production and repairs next year, the backlog of inspections could take until 2026 just to clear. And Wizz Air is still retiring its older A320CEO models — meaning the proportion of its fleet reliant on GTF engines will climb to 77%. There’s no turning back.
Analysts are watching closely. "This is a make-or-break moment," said aviation consultant Elena Petrova. "If Wizz Air can’t resolve this by 2027, it risks losing its competitive edge. If they do — and they manage the transition smoothly — they could emerge as the most efficient low-cost carrier in Europe. But the margin for error is razor-thin."
Background: Why GTF Engines Became the Industry’s Achilles’ Heel
The PW1100G-JM engine was supposed to be the future. Launched in 2016, it promised 16% less fuel burn and 75% less noise than older models. Airlines rushed to order them. But the complex geared turbofan design — a revolutionary leap — also introduced new failure points. Powder metal defects in turbine blades became widespread. By 2023, the FAA and EASA issued mandatory inspections. Suddenly, every airline with GTF-powered A320neos — including Spirit, IndiGo, and Air Canada — found themselves in the same boat as Wizz Air.Pratt & Whitney has since improved manufacturing quality and expanded its repair network. But the damage is done. Airlines are rethinking engine choices. Boeing’s 737 MAX, powered by CFM engines, is gaining favor among budget carriers. Wizz Air’s bet on GTF now looks less like foresight — and more like a high-stakes gamble.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Wizz Air planes are currently grounded because of Pratt & Whitney engine issues?
As of mid-2025, Wizz Air has 38 Airbus A320neo family aircraft grounded due to Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engine defects. This is down from a peak of nearly 60 in early 2024, but industry reports suggest the number will remain around 40 through fiscal year 2026 as inspections continue.
Why is Wizz Air ordering more planes with the same problematic engines?
Despite the current issues, Wizz Air believes the GTF engine’s fuel efficiency and lower emissions justify the long-term cost savings. The airline’s CEO, József Váradi, says the technology aligns with its "Customer First Compass" strategy. Pratt & Whitney’s support agreement includes compensation, and Wizz Air is betting that supply chain bottlenecks will ease by 2027.
What financial impact has the engine grounding had on Wizz Air?
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Wizz Air’s operating profit dropped 61.7% to €167.5 million from €437.9 million the prior year. The airline directly blamed the GTF engine groundings for slower-than-expected recovery, with lost revenue from grounded planes and higher leasing costs contributing significantly.
When will Wizz Air expect full resolution of the engine issues?
Wizz Air CFO Ian Malin stated the goal is to have all grounded aircraft back in service by the end of calendar year 2027. However, experts caution this timeline is aggressive, given the global backlog of inspections and limited repair capacity at Pratt & Whitney’s authorized facilities.
Is Wizz Air considering switching to a different engine type in the future?
Currently, Wizz Air has no public plans to switch engine suppliers. Its entire growth strategy is built around the A320neo family with GTF engines. However, analysts note that future orders — especially beyond 2027 — could shift toward CFM International’s LEAP engines if GTF reliability doesn’t improve significantly.
How does this affect passengers flying with Wizz Air?
Passengers face higher risks of flight cancellations, delays, and route reductions, especially on high-demand routes. Wizz Air has had to rebook thousands of passengers onto partner airlines, sometimes with longer layovers. While compensation is offered for cancellations, the inconsistency has eroded customer trust, particularly among frequent travelers who once chose Wizz Air for its reliability.
