JetBlue Expects to Ground More Airbus Jets Next Year

The airline continues to face issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.

A JetBlue Airways Airbus A220 prepares for landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Planes ]October 29, 2024 12:10 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Amid ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, JetBlue expects to ground more Airbus aircraft in 2025. The New York-based carrier joins a long list of global airlines facing troubles with the engine type.

In 2024, the airline averaged around 11 grounded aircraft as a result of engine unavailability. The PW1100G and PW1500G engines power JetBlue’s A220 and A321neo fleets.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the airline currently has six A220-300s and eight A321neos out of service. Each engine inspection takes approximately 360 days, the carrier said.

JetBlue expects the number of grounded aircraft to average in the mid-to-high teens in 2025, it stated in a third-quarter earnings report.

“Given that we expect to have a certain number of aircraft groundings into 2024 and beyond, we will continue to assess the resulting impact on our future capacity plans. We are currently working with Pratt & Whitney on compensation arrangements,” the report said.

The airline noted that future impacts of the groundings remain “uncertain” but could include capacity impacts. JetBlue is set to take delivery of 24 aircraft in 2025, including 20 A220s and four A321neos.

“The fleet situation is very…dynamic and we continue to be very frustrated…as far as being able to actually get a good handle on what’s happening with Pratt,” JetBlue President Marty St. George added during a third-quarter earnings call.

Scores of Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus aircraft have been grounded around the world. Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit received between $150 million and $200 million in compensation from the engine maker.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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