Air Astana Group Reaches Settlement with Pratt & Whitney Over A320neo Engine Concerns

Air Astana Group has successfully concluded a settlement with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, resolving issues related to the PW1100G engines equipped on its Airbus A320-200neo aircraft fleet. This agreement, detailed in a recent Kazakhstan Stock Exchange filing by the parent company of Air Astana and FlyArystan, is set to alleviate costs and bolster operational initiatives aimed at addressing the engine’s maintenance challenges in a sustainable manner. While specific financial details of the settlement were not disclosed, this development signifies a positive step forward for the airline group.

Currently, the Air Astana Group operates a fleet of twenty-nine A320neo family aircraft powered by the PW1100G engines, with an anticipated 34 engine removals projected for 2024. In response to ongoing maintenance concerns, the airline has proactively acquired five spare engines and plans to secure an additional six by 2028. Access to Pratt & Whitney’s spare engine pool further strengthens Air Astana Group’s maintenance and operational resilience.

The PW1100G engines are installed on a mix of thirteen A320-200Ns, four A321-200Ns, and twelve A321-200NX(LR)s within the group’s fleet, with eight A320-200Ns operated by FlyArystan and the remainder by Air Astana. Currently, six of the A320-200Ns are out of service, underscoring the importance of the recent settlement in ensuring fleet reliability.

This settlement marks the end of Air Astana Group’s second significant engine-related dispute in recent years. In 2023, the airline withdrew an appeal against Embraer following a 2021 damages claim that was dismissed by the New York Supreme Court. The dispute centered around five leased E190-E2 aircraft, which Air Astana grounded citing safety concerns. The recent agreement with Pratt & Whitney reflects the group’s ongoing efforts to mitigate engine issues and maintain operational efficiency.

Additionally, Air Astana Group has announced the acquisition of a sixth spare PW1100 engine from International Aero Engines, with delivery expected in April. This purchase aligns with the airline’s strategic planning to address engine maintenance challenges. Furthermore, to compensate for capacity issues caused by the A320neo’s service disruptions, Air Astana Group has leased two A320-200 aircraft, set to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2025, ensuring continued service excellence and customer satisfaction.