Wizz Air Negotiates Pratt & Whitney Deal to Resolve Engine Servicing Delays

London, September 2 - Wizz Air, a prominent European low-cost carrier, is actively negotiating a deal with Pratt & Whitney, a leading jet engine manufacturer owned by RTX Corporation, to address significant delays in engine servicing that have grounded a substantial portion of its fleet. According to Wizz Air’s CEO, József Váradi, in an interview with Reuters on September 1, 2025, the airline is working to finalize an agreement before its first half-year results are reported on November 13, 2025. The core issue stems from a defect in the powder metal used to manufacture high-pressure turbines and compressor discs in Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) engines, which power Wizz Air’s all-Airbus A320neo-family jets. This defect has caused widespread disruptions across the global aviation industry, particularly affecting airlines like Wizz Air that rely heavily on these aircraft. The anticipated deal aims to accelerate the maintenance and repair of these engines, enabling Wizz Air to return its grounded aircraft to service more quickly and mitigate the operational and financial strain caused by the prolonged groundings.

The impact of the engine servicing delays has been particularly acute for Wizz Air, with approximately 40 of its Airbus A320neo-family aircraft expected to remain grounded through fiscal year 2026. These groundings have led to a significant reduction in the airline’s operational capacity, contributing to a 35% drop in its share price in 2025 and a one-third decline in operating profits to €289.7 million for the first half of the fiscal year, as reported in November 2024. The proposed agreement with Pratt & Whitney is expected to include operational support and a compensation package to cover the direct costs associated with the grounded aircraft, building on a prior support deal struck in January 2025. This earlier agreement provided commercial and operational assistance, but the new negotiations aim to expedite engine recovery timelines further. Váradi emphasized that the talks are also tied to a broader engine purchase deal announced in June 2025 at the Paris Airshow, where Wizz Air selected Pratt & Whitney to supply engines for 177 Airbus A321neo jets, increasing its total GTF-powered aircraft order to 453.

Wizz Air’s strategic response to these challenges includes proactive measures to mitigate the financial and operational fallout. The airline has extended leases on older A320ceo aircraft and adjusted flight patterns to reduce engine strain, such as using reduced-thrust takeoffs and longer takeoff distances. Despite the setbacks, Wizz Air remains committed to its ambitious “WIZZ 500 vision,” aiming to double its fleet to 500 aircraft by 2030 and achieve 20% passenger growth in fiscal year 2026. The airline plans to take delivery of 50 new A321neo aircraft in 2025-26, which will increase the proportion of fuel-efficient A321neo planes in its fleet to 77%, supporting its sustainability goals. The exit from the Abu Dhabi market earlier in 2025 has also provided some financial relief, allowing Wizz Air to focus resources on its core European operations.

If successful, the deal with Pratt & Whitney could significantly boost Wizz Air’s operational stability and investor confidence, potentially reversing the downward trend in its share price. Váradi has expressed optimism about turning the airline’s fortunes around by mid-2027, with the accelerated engine servicing agreement playing a critical role in this recovery. The partnership with Pratt & Whitney, including long-term maintenance agreements, underscores Wizz Air’s commitment to maintaining its relationship with the engine manufacturer despite the challenges posed by the GTF engine issues. As the airline navigates these turbulent times, its ability to secure timely repairs and expand its fleet will be pivotal in achieving its long-term growth objectives and maintaining its position as a leading low-cost carrier in Europe.