UPDATE: ITA Airways is facing an urgent crisis as it has grounded 22 aircraft—nearly 28% of its fleet—due to ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. The airline’s troubles stem from defects in the GTF turbofan engines that have plagued operations since late 2023 and now threaten its financial stability.
This alarming development comes as ITA estimates losses exceeding €150 million over the next five years, equating to an astonishing €82,000 per day. With a total of 101 airliners, including 79 narrowbody planes, ITA’s operational capacity has taken a significant hit, severely impacting its ability to meet growing travel demands.
The grounded fleet includes a mix of Airbus A220, A320neo, and A321neo jets, with three out of four A321neo aircraft currently inoperable. CEO Joerg Eberhart voiced the airline’s struggles, stating, “We have A220 pilots flying 20 hours a month. You can’t grow like that.”
In a broader context, the Pratt & Whitney GTF PW1000G engines have been a popular choice among airlines due to their fuel efficiency. However, a major manufacturing defect involving contaminated powdered metal has led to premature cracking in critical engine components. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have mandated inspections, causing significant delays and uncertainty for airlines worldwide.
Despite Pratt & Whitney’s efforts to mitigate the crisis, including ramping up repair services and providing financial relief, the situation continues to deteriorate. The manufacturer has estimated the recall’s total cost could exceed $6 billion, with airlines like Spirit Airlines also facing substantial impacts.
Looking ahead, ITA Airways anticipates ongoing operational challenges at least until 2026. The airline’s decision to initiate a lawsuit against Pratt & Whitney and its parent company, RTX, underscores the severity of the financial toll. Eberhart is seeking greater compensation than what has been offered, as the situation has left ITA with limited options.
As ITA Airways grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the airline industry watches closely, aware that the ramifications of these engine defects extend beyond Italy. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as authorities and airlines navigate this complex issue.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as ITA Airways fights to recover from this critical operational setback.
