Aviation News – ITA Airways faces major fleet disruption as 22 Airbus aircraft are grounded following Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engine recalls, raising concerns over capacity and scheduling.
ITA Airways has confirmed that a total of 22 aircraft across its Airbus A220, A320neo, and A321neo fleet have been taken out of service due to mandatory inspections linked to Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G geared turbofan engines. The recall, part of a wider global review, has forced airlines to temporarily withdraw aircraft to complete safety checks and component replacements.
The PW1000G engine family has faced scrutiny since manufacturing issues were discovered in certain components. For ITA Airways, the grounding affects jets introduced to modernize its fleet and improve fuel efficiency, putting pressure on operations during already tight schedules. The affected aircraft were gradually withdrawn as inspection requirements expanded across international operators.
The PW1000G engines use an advanced geared turbofan system designed to reduce fuel burn, noise, and emissions. While the technology delivers strong environmental performance, the ongoing recall highlights the complexity of next-generation propulsion systems and the operational impact such inspections can cause when large sections of a fleet rely on the same engine type.