A220 Engine Woes Prompt 19 Route Cuts

One airline said ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues will impact its summer schedule.

An airBaltic Airbus A220 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Planes ]January 2, 2025 10:13 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

The second-largest Airbus A220 operator is scaling back its summer schedule due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine troubles. airBaltic – which exclusively operates the type – says it will cut 19 routes during the summer.

“airBaltic has been informed by Pratt & Whitney that several of its A220-300 aircraft will remain grounded into 2025 due to an engine shortage,” the Latvian airline said Thursday.

In addition to the 19 route cancellations, the carrier will reduce frequencies in 21 markets. A total of 4,670 flights will be cancelled, affecting approximately 67,160 passengers, airBaltic said.

The carrier has nearly 50 A220-300s in its fleet, but 14 remain grounded due to the engine issues, per Planespotters.net. Pratt & Whitney’s PW1500G GTF (geared turbofan) engines power the aircraft type.

“airBaltic continues to work closely with Pratt & Whitney to resolve the maintenance delays and find a sustainable solution,” the airline added.

More Airlines Struggles

Many airlines around the world continue to grapple with engine issues, prompting aircraft groundings. JetBlue will park several of its A220 and A321neo aircraft this year.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, nearly 700 A320neo family Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft remain in storage. 84 A220s are also stored.

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Ryan

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.

Follow Ryan

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.
View all posts