European Low-Cost Carrier Adjusts Fleet Plan in Response to Engine Crisis and Changing Market Conditions

Wizz Air has agreed with Airbus to reconfigure its commitment for new aircraft, deferring 88 deliveries and reducing its A321XLR order from 47 to 11 aircraft. The move comes as the airline faces challenges from engine issues and changing market conditions, including high fuel prices and soft demand for premium-light long-haul flights. CEO Josef Váradi cited these factors as reasons for the shift in strategy, aiming to cap annual seat capacity growth at 10-12% through the rest of the 2020s. The airline has also announced plans to operate an all-NEO fleet by 2029, two years ahead of its original goal.