RTX’s Pratt & Whitney is moving deeper into the recovery phase of its geared-turbofan crisis, as groundings linked to PW1100G engines fell 25% in the first half of 2026. The improvement is easing operational pressure for airlines operating Airbus A320neo-family jets and other GTF-powered aircraft, but carriers are still carrying higher lease, overhaul and parts costs as they keep networks running.
Reuters reported that the number of aircraft out of service has declined materially, while the commercial overhang remains significant. In the second quarter, the mix of heavier PW1100G repair work was 14 percentage points higher than a year earlier, underlining that maintenance demand is still elevated even as fewer jets are parked.
Air New Zealand illustrates the financial drag that can persist after availability improves. The carrier may need 12 to 18 months to unwind the extra aircraft and engine leases it took on to protect schedules during the disruption. The broader picture suggests the engine issue is no longer at its peak, but the cost of recovery will outlast the grounding count decline.