Global lessors may soon have to find new homes for a huge number of Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF)-powered Airbus A320neo-family aircraft after Spirit Airlines applied this week to reject 87 narrowbodies.
Following a deal earlier in the week with AerCap to reject 27 Neos, Spirit is also seeking to reject 87 A320ceo and neo-family aircraft from a multitude of other lessors.
Of those 87, 67 are Neos, many of which are likely to be affected by GTF engine maintenance and inspection issues.
While the exact number is uncertain, by October around 40 Spirit Neos were thought to be parked. Some may have been for network planning reasons, but the airline has consistently reported significant operational disruption from engine issues.
In its most recent results, for the quarter to June 30, 2025, Spirit said that Pratt had issued it with $72 million of credits relating to aircraft on ground due to GTF issues. It added that the removal of GTF engines from service was expected to continue through at least 2026.
Spirit also said that a 24% reduction in capacity for the quarter was the result of “fewer aircraft being available for scheduling due to GTF engine issues, as well as the strategic realignment of our network.”
If the court approves the rejection of the aircraft, it will be interesting to note what happens to the engine maintenance and inspection scheduling of their GTF engines once they leave the airline.
Under a deal agreed to in June 2025 with Pratt affiliate International Aero Engines, the OEM undertook to provide Spirit with a monthly credit through the end of 2025, subject to certain conditions, as compensation for each Spirit aircraft unavailable for operational service due to GTF engine issues. The estimated impact of the agreement on Spirit’s liquidity was expected to be between $150 million and $195 million.
Aviation Week has approached for comment several lessors with Neos on lease to Spirit but had received no response by press time.
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