UPDATE: Airbus is in a deepening crisis as shortages of engines from Pratt & Whitney are grounding a staggering 22% of its A220 fleet. This urgent situation is forcing airlines to reconsider their aircraft options, threatening the commercial viability of the A220 and A320neo families.
New reports confirm that production delays and maintenance problems with Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan engines have led to significant operational disruptions. Currently, 79 of the 367 A220s are out of service, with maintenance inspections revealing alarming issues such as premature wear and cracking that compel many aircraft to remain grounded.
As of mid-October 2025, the urgent need for maintenance has become critical. A Wall Street Journal report indicates that 42% of A220s have either been inspected or are due for inspection, raising fears that more aircraft will face grounding as defects are discovered. The situation is particularly dire for airlines operating in harsh environments, where unscheduled removals from service are becoming increasingly common.
The crisis has been exacerbated by recent industrial action at Pratt & Whitney. A strike involving 3,000 workers halted maintenance operations, compounding existing delays. Following a 22-day strike, workers ratified a new contract, but the backlog of engine servicing remains a pressing concern.
SWISS, the launch customer for the A220, announced on October 30, 2025, that it would ground its entire A220-100 fleet for 18 months due to reliability issues. “Around 10 aircraft will be unproductive next year because of technical problems,” said SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger, indicating that the airline is actively seeking solutions to maintain operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Air Austral, based in the Indian Ocean, has opted to retire its entire fleet of three A220-300s, citing engine problems as a critical factor. Chairman Hugues Marchessaux emphasized the forced nature of this decision, stating the airline must explore alternatives to stabilize its operations.
Airbus has reduced its production targets for A220s from 14 to 12 jets per month for 2026, as the backlog of assembled aircraft awaiting engines grows. Currently, 32 jets from both A220 and A320neo families are grounded, a situation that poses a significant threat to Airbus’ financial future.
Despite these challenges, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury remains optimistic, stating the company aims to deliver 820 commercial jets in 2025, though skepticism remains high regarding the feasibility of this ambitious target.
Airbus’ struggles with Pratt & Whitney’s engines have turned a promising acquisition into a nightmare scenario. The current grounding of 22% of A220s could rise to 42% if ongoing inspections reveal more defects. With competitive pressures mounting, airlines are beginning to explore alternatives, highlighting the urgent need for Pratt & Whitney to address these issues effectively.
The aviation industry is watching closely as these developments unfold, and the repercussions for Airbus could be significant if solutions are not implemented swiftly. As the situation evolves, stakeholders from across the sector remain on high alert, understanding that the future of the A220 hangs in the balance.
