Wizz Air agrees engine deal with Pratt & Whitney

Low-cost airline Wizz Air has agreed to equip its 110 Airbus A321neo aircraft with US aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofan engines.

The agreement, which is worth $2.5bn at current list prices, also covers an additional 90 A321neo aircraft over which Wizz Air has uncommitted purchase rights as well as a number of spare engines. Deliveries of the A321neo will start in 2019.

Chief executive Jozsef Varadi said: “Following a detailed review process we concluded that the Geared Turbofan engine delivers the best value proposition as well as maximum fuel and operational efficiency.

“These metrics will translate directly into reduced operating costs for our business. While we already have a very low cost base, our focus is to be ever more efficient to offer the lowest fares for our customers while driving strong returns for shareholders."

At 1413 BST, Wizz shares were up 0.7% to 1,633p.