The total order of GTF-powered aircraft rises to 453, solidifying its position as the largest A320neo-family operator in Europe
Wizz Air, a Hungarian ultra low-cost carrier group, announced the selection of Pratt and Whitney’s PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) engine to power its firm order of 177 Airbus A321neo aircraft at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday.
In a press statement, Pratt and Whitney says that the decision, following shareholder approval of the aircraft purchase, underscores the carrier’s continued commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.
The statement adds that this agreement marks a significant expansion of the airline’s partnership with Pratt and Whitney, an RTX business. Previously, Wizz Air had chosen Pratt and Whitney’s GTF engines for 276 Airbus A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft in 2016 and 2020.
Wizz Air says that with this announcement the total order of GTF-powered aircraft rises to 453, solidifying its position as the largest A320neo-family operator in Europe.
According to the statement, Pratt and Whitney will also provide Wizz Air with comprehensive engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise service agreement, ensuring reliability and operational stability for the airline’s rapidly growing fleet.
József Váradi
“Our relationship with Pratt and Whitney has been instrumental in supporting our growth strategy, which will enable Wizz Air to have a fleet of 500 aircraft within a decade. GTF engine technology delivers the most economical solution, providing unmatched fuel efficiency while enabling quieter and less emitting flights for our passengers and a lower cost base for the airline. This agreement is in line with our Customer First Compass strategy which puts the customer in the focus also by providing the best-in-class aircraft technology with the lowest emission intensity per passenger kilometre,” says József Váradi, CEO, Wizz Air.
Additionally, Pratt and Whitney currently powers the airline’s fleet of 163 A320neo family aircraft with GTF engines, and 73 A320ceo family aircraft with IAE V2500 engines. This partnership is further strengthened by a special support package designed to mitigate the financial and operational impact of grounded aircraft.
Rick Deurloo
“Today marks another important milestone in our long-standing relationship with Wizz Air and is a vote of confidence in the GTF engine. Pratt and Whitney has been exclusively powering the airline’s growth since 2003 and our GTF engines will continue to deliver the lowest fuel consumption available,” says Rick Deurloo, Commercial Engines President, Pratt and Whitney.
The statement adds that Wizz Air’s recent delivery of its first A321XLR aircraft, powered by GTF engines, made it the first airline in the world to operate the A321XLR with this advanced propulsion system.