Airbus Canada and Pratt & Whitney announced that the A220 engine crisis affecting the A220 family’s geared turbofan (GTF) is expected to be resolved by the end of 2026, according to Leeham News and Analysis. According to Airbus, only 2–3% of the on-ground A220S are still out of service due to GTF engine issues, compared to about 17% from late last year.
Impact on Operations
The Airbus A220 has been most affected by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF reliability problems due to its sole reliance on the PW1500G engine.
Many airlines have been affected by the GTF engine issues. Swiss International Air Lines withdrew its entire A220-100 fleet so its engines could support A220-300 operations. AirBaltic has repeatedly claimed that the AOGs were affecting its finances. ITA Airways has sought compensation of approximately 150 million euros from Pratt & Whitney after several A220S remained unavailable in Naples for over a year.
What’s next?
The CEO of Airbus Canada and head of the A220 programme, Guillaume Chevasson, said in a shared online video briefing, “The AOG [Aircraft On Ground] crisis is over.” He also added that the A220’s technical issues are now “close to zero”.
Airbus has cut its 2026 A220 production goal to 12 aircraft per month after reflecting on engine availability constraints and recalibrating supply and demand.
However, airlines remain cautiously optimistic. While the assured resolution by late 2026 is promising and welcomed news, operators still want to see improvement in engine availability in practice before declaring the A220 engine crisis truly over.
What do you think about the impact of the A220’s technical issues? Share your opinion in the comments.
