Wizz Air faces a potential capacity cut of 10% in the second half of its financial year due to the need for engine inspections.
The Hungarian budget carrier made the disclosure after US aerospace supplier RTX said inspections would be needed on Pratt & Whitney GTF engines used on some Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The airline said it would be seeking compensation from Pratt & Whitney after it became clear that the removal of engines for inspections during there remainder of 2023 and into 2024 “will likely cause some aircraft being grounded in this period”.
RTX confirmed that 600 to 700 engines made by its Pratt & Whitney unit will be removed between 2023 and 2026.
The issue with the Pratt & Whitney engines is a “rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts” which will will require “accelerated inspection of the PW1100G-JM (GTF) fleet, which powers the A320neo”.
A special instruction to operators of GTF powered A320 aircraft was first issued in August “requiring accelerated inspections and engine removals covering the initial tranche of operational engines, no later than September 15, 2023”.
The low fares carrier said: “Wizz Air is currently assessing the implications to understand the extent of the impact on its fleet with initial estimates indicating a potential capacity reduction of 10%” for the second half of the current financial year.
“Wizz Air will continue to work with Pratt & Whitney to minimise the impact to its fleet plan and costs to the business.
“The company continues to take proactive action to mitigate any financial and operational impact and will be seeking financial compensation from Pratt & Whitney. The company will provide a more detailed update in due course.”
RTX faces a $3 billion charge due to the engine recalls, saying that the majority of engine removals will be needed this year and early in 2024.
RTX chairman and chief executive Greg Hayes said: “We are focused on addressing the challenges arising from the powder metal manufacturing issue.
“We will never compromise on the safe operation of our fleet, which is why the Pratt & Whitney team has worked diligently to develop its fleet management plan.
“At the same time, we recognise this is an extremely difficult situation for our customers, and we are proactively taking steps to support and mitigate the operational impact to them.”