ITA Airways is considering legal action against American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney as problems with geared turbofan engines continue to disrupt the Italian carrier’s Airbus A320neo-family fleet and affect aircraft availability.
The airline will reportedly decide by late July or early August 2026 whether to proceed with a lawsuit against the engine manufacturer. The potential legal step follows prolonged issues with Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines, which power part of the Airbus A320neo family.
Airlines have been facing long inspection and repair queues since 2023, after Pratt & Whitney identified a powder-metal manufacturing issue affecting certain components in its PW1100G GTF engines. The problem led to accelerated inspections and additional shop visits, reducing aircraft availability for operators relying on affected engines.
ITA Airways is exposed to the problem because its next-generation narrowbody fleet includes Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus aircraft. The airline’s own fleet information lists its Airbus A321neo as powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, while the A320neo family is available with either Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM or CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
Nearly one-fifth of ITA Airways’ 80-aircraft fleet is currently grounded because of engine-related problems. For a carrier of ITA’s size, that level of aircraft unavailability creates immediate operational pressure. Grounded aircraft have reduced the airline’s ability to use its fleet efficiently and increased dependence on operational workarounds, including aircraft swaps and revised schedules.
