Wizz Air Weighs Engine Maker for New Airbus Jets Amid Groundings

Wizz Air Holdings Plc has initiated a tender process to select an engine manufacturer for 177 Airbus SE planes on order. This move signals a potential switch from its current supplier, Pratt & Whitney, due to ongoing issues with its existing powerplants. The airline is considering Pratt & Whitney or CFM, a joint venture between Safran SA and General Electric Co. CEO Jozsef Varadi confirmed that engine problems have grounded 47 jets as of May 17, impacting capacity growth. Key factors for the tender include acquisition price, durability, and operating cost. Currently, half of Wizz’s 330 aircraft on order are equipped with Pratt GTF engines, with the remaining 177 planes to be covered by the new tender.

Myles Corey, founder of Spaero, commented, “The persistent engine issues highlight the critical need for reliable and durable aircraft components to ensure operational efficiency and avoid disruptions.”

Source: Bloomberg