UPDATE: In a dire escalation of its operational crisis, ITA Airways has grounded 22 aircraft, representing a staggering 28% of its total fleet, due to ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. This critical situation follows a recall of GTF turbofans that has wreaked havoc on the airline since late 2023.
As ITA Airways faces mounting challenges, the financial toll is projected to exceed €150 million over the next five years, translating to around €82,000 lost daily. The airline, headquartered in Italy, has seen its operational capabilities severely reduced, with many of its newer, fuel-efficient jets now sitting idle.
The grounded fleet includes a mix of Airbus A220, A320neo, and A321neo aircraft, crucial for the airline’s revenue generation. CEO Joerg Eberhart expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We have A220 pilots flying 20 hours a month. You can’t grow like that. Airlines control only a third of their cost base.”
The recall of Pratt & Whitney engines has not only affected ITA Airways but has also caused widespread disruptions across the aviation industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have mandated inspections of the GTF turbofans due to contamination issues found in parts manufactured from 2015 to 2021. These defects can lead to severe engine failures, prompting airlines worldwide to ground jets that were expected to be operational.
ITA’s current predicament is particularly alarming as it operates a total of 101 aircraft, with 79 being narrowbody planes. The airline’s ability to serve its customers and maintain profitability is under severe strain, raising concerns about its future.
Notably, ITA Airways is preparing to take legal action against Pratt & Whitney and its parent company, RTX, seeking additional financial compensation for its losses. The situation is expected to worsen, with impacts likely to extend into 2026, according to internal forecasts.
Pratt & Whitney is attempting to alleviate the burden on affected airlines by expanding its repair services and providing financial relief. However, the scale of the recall—estimated to cost the manufacturer and its partners upwards of $6 billion—has left many carriers struggling to cope with the operational fallout.
The airline industry is watching closely as ITA navigates this crisis. The grounding of such a significant portion of its fleet during peak travel seasons is a major blow to its financial health. As the situation develops, stakeholders and passengers alike are left wondering how ITA will recover from this unprecedented challenge.
For now, ITA Airways continues to grapple with the fallout from the Pratt & Whitney engine crisis, and the aviation community anxiously awaits further updates on the situation.
