Wizz Air seeks to defer nearly 100 A321neo aircraft - report

Wizz Air is negotiating with Airbus to postpone the delivery of around 100 A321neo aircraft previously scheduled between now and 2030. The discussions come as the airline faces ongoing operational and financial challenges across its network, according to Bloomberg.

The move is aimed at easing capacity pressures within Wizz Air’s fleet as it deals with engine-related groundings and increased operational costs. The airline has not met its profit forecasts for the first quarter, attributing the shortfall to ongoing engine issues.

Wizz Air currently holds 447 firm orders for the A321neo, including the long-range A321XLR variant. As of September, Airbus had delivered 166 A321neo aircraft to the carrier, leaving 281 units outstanding.

The company has also taken steps to adjust its network, including the closure of its Abu Dhabi subsidiary in September and the phased shutdown of its Vienna base. Rising costs in Vienna have been cited as a key factor, though Wizz Air will continue serving Austria from other locations.

Wizz Air is working with Pratt & Whitney to accelerate engine maintenance and aims to resolve aircraft groundings by the end of 2027.

The European low-cost carrier's change of plans comes amid order adjustments by other carriers that rely on A320neo family aircraft.

US-based Spirit Airlines, in the midst of its second Chapter 11 in less than a year, reached an agreement with lessors to reduce its A321neo fleet after experiencing major aircraft groundings due to issues with its PW GTF engine.

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