Aegean Airlines expects up to 14 Airbus A320neo family aircraft to be grounded in 2026 due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine inspections. Wet leases have proven costly and ineffective in offsetting lost capacity.
“The GTF issue will persist for two more years,” Chairman Eftichios Vassilakis said. “We currently have nine or ten aircraft grounded, rising to 13 or 14 in 2026.”
Aegean took a €20 million ($22 million) hit in 2024, mostly from wet leases, which it won’t repeat. The airline receives five upgraded A320neos annually, easing the impact, with full recovery expected by 2027.
Pratt & Whitney provides compensation, but it falls short of covering costs. Still, Aegean remains committed to GTF engines, citing fuel efficiency.
The airline is shifting towards larger 220-seat A321neos to cut unit costs. A recent order for eight more A321neos brings its total A320neo family commitment to 58 aircraft, with 24 still to be delivered by 2032.
