† Pratt & Whitney has repeatedly declined to confirm a precise current grounding figure, citing the difficulty of isolating engine-related AOGs from broader Cirium fleet-tracking data. Independent trackers have at various points in 2025–2026 reported higher peak figures — treat ~650 as P&W's own cited reference point, not a universally agreed count.

The Powder-Metal Issue

In July 2023, Pratt & Whitney's parent company RTX announced that a rare powder-metal contamination issue in certain GTF engine parts could cause accelerated wear and potential engine failure. The problem stems from contaminated powdered metal used in the production of critical components, affecting the PW1100G engines that power the Airbus A320neo family.

The issue triggered mandatory inspections and a massive recall program. The FAA issued multiple Airworthiness Directives (ADs) requiring ultrasonic inspections of high-pressure compressor (HPC) stages 7 and 8 integrally bladed rotors (IBRs), along with inspections of high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 and 2 hubs. For a broader look at how AD compliance is verified and documented across an engine's records, see our regulatory compliance consultancy.

Current Fleet Status (2026)

As of mid-2026, the situation is improving but remains serious. Pratt & Whitney has cited a peak of around 650 grounded GTF-powered A320neo-family aircraft, representing approximately 47% of the GTF-powered A320neo fleet — though the company has consistently declined to confirm a precise current figure, and independent fleet trackers have at times reported higher peak numbers.

Rick Deurloo, President of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines, said at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow that engine-related AOGs are down "almost 40%" from the peak — in his words, "if you think about the peak of last year to today, we're down almost 40% on AOGs." He also confirmed the company had met an earlier commitment: "I said back in November we were going to be down to single digits [AOGs] by the end of this year, and we are." The company still declined to provide a single precise grounding figure, citing the difficulty of separating engine-related AOGs from broader Cirium fleet data.

Shop-Visit Turnaround: 300–360 Days

The original 60-day shop-visit estimate proved unrealistic. At the peak of the crisis, turnaround times stretched to 300–360 days, creating a massive bottleneck that forced airlines to cannibalise nearly new aircraft for engine modules — a dynamic explored in more detail in our guide to 2026 engine shop-visit costs.

However, MRO capacity is expanding rapidly:

• MRO output increased 26% in 2025 and continues to grow
• Delta TechOps' GTF shop — opened in 2023 — is now servicing 240 engines in 2026 (up from 150 in 2025), with a current turnaround of ~120 days and a goal of reducing to ~70 days
• MTU Maintenance — a key GTF MRO partner — now provides over 600 GTF shop visits per year across its network
• EngineStands.com reported that PW1100G stand utilisation reached 95% in H1 2026, while average project duration dropped from 245 days in 2024 to 123 days

Recovery Roadmap

Pratt & Whitney has laid out a clear recovery timeline:

GTF Advantage & Hot Section Plus

Two key upgrades are central to the recovery plan:

GTF Advantage

The new GTF Advantage engine is the long-term solution. EASA certified the design in April 2026, and Pratt & Whitney delivered its first shipset to Airbus that May:

• 4–8% more thrust than the base PW1100G
• 2× the durability of the original configuration
• No life-limited parts on the low-pressure turbine targeted at entry into service
• Fully redesigned suite of life-limited parts, including new turbine hardware
• 100% Advantage-standard deliveries expected by early 2028

Hot Section Plus

A retrofit package for the existing fleet, announced by RTX in June 2025:

• Approximately 35 unique parts taken from the Advantage design
• Delivers 90–95% of the Advantage durability benefit
• Certification targeted for late 2026, more likely Q1 2027
• Will be retrofitted to in-service PW1100G engines

GTF Engine Family Overview

The Pratt & Whitney PW1000G GTF engine family includes several variants, each tailored to specific aircraft platforms:

For a look at how the GTF's chief rival is faring through its own aftermarket pressures, see our coverage of the CFM LEAP-1A aftermarket crisis and broader LEAP engine market trends.

Crisis Timeline

Airlines Affected

The powder-metal issue has affected over 40 operators and lessors globally. Major airlines that have publicly acknowledged operational or financial impacts include:

• IndiGo — one of the hardest-hit operators with significant groundings
• Wizz Air — substantial A320neo fleet impact
• Lufthansa Group — including Brussels Airlines, Swiss, and CityLine
• Air New Zealand, JetBlue, Cebu Pacific
• Viva Aerobus, Volaris, ANA, Hawaiian Airlines
• Spirit Airlines, Air France, Avianca
• ITA Airways — has indicated it will seek compensation
• Iberia Express — with 5 A321neo GTF-powered aircraft

IATA and industry sources estimate that 600–700 A320neo/A321neo aircraft will require inspection and repair cycles between 2023–2026. For lessors and asset managers, this has had a direct effect on secondary-market pricing — see our related analysis on what to look for when valuing an aircraft engine and current pre-owned aircraft market trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

MRO Capacity Expansion

Pratt & Whitney and its partners have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in expanding GTF MRO capacity. Independent operators considering their own MRO or spare-engine strategy during the shortage can review Safe Fly's MRO consultancy services for an independent read on options:

• Delta TechOps — GTF shop in Atlanta targeting 400 engine turnarounds annually by 2030
• MTU Maintenance — provides over 600 GTF shop visits per year across Hannover, EME Aero (its Airbus/Lufthansa Technik joint venture), and Zhuhai
• Pratt & Whitney investments — new forging press in Columbus, GA; third powder tower in Huntington, NY (50% output increase); $100M+ manufacturing capacity in Poland
• Iberia Maintenance — recently licensed to service GTF PW1100G-J engines in Europe

Lufthansa Technik's GTF MRO network — spanning EME Aero, LTAA Alzey, and its Hamburg shop — delivered its 1,000th overhauled GTF engine in March 2026, marking a significant milestone in GTF MRO capability.

Industry Intelligence

Sources & References