S7 Airlines Forced to Reduce Workforce in Moscow Due to Pratt & Whitney Engine Troubles on A320/1neo Fleet

S7 Airlines (S7, Novosibirsk), one of Russia’s leading airlines, is facing a significant operational challenge that has led to the downsizing of its workforce in Moscow. The issue stems from engine problems affecting a substantial portion of its Airbus A320/1neo fleet, particularly those equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines. The situation has been reported by Kommersant, highlighting the complexities faced by the airline due to international sanctions against Russia, which have rendered repair and maintenance of these engines nearly impossible.

As detailed by the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, S7 Airlines, the largest privately-owned airline in Russia by fleet size, operates a total of 99 aircraft. Currently, 25 of these aircraft are inactive, including fifteen A320neo and A321neo jets powered by PW1000G engines. This includes seven out of thirty-one A320-200Ns, all four A321-200Ns, and all four A321-200NXs in its fleet.

The airline had previously announced in October that its winter schedules would see a reduction of 10-15% compared to the previous year, a decision directly influenced by the grounding of these Airbus narrowbodies. Evgeny Elin, Chairman of the Board of S7 Group, had also warned in December about the looming engine crisis in Russia.

Sources close to the matter informed Kommersant that the staff reduction in Moscow is not only a response to the grounded fleet but also aligns with S7’s strategic plans to expand its operations in Russia’s regional areas and strengthen its main hub at Novosibirsk. Novosibirsk, located in southwestern Russia, is less saturated with major airline competition compared to Moscow, offering potential growth opportunities for S7 Group.

Additionally, the airline is exploring options for its employees affected by these changes. Some have been given the opportunity to relocate to the company’s offices in Ob, Novosibirsk Oblast, or in Irkutsk. For pilots, there are offers to retrain on different aircraft types, indicating S7’s commitment to adapting its workforce to the changing operational landscape.

This development for S7 Airlines underscores the broader challenges faced by airlines in managing fleet operations and personnel amid technical difficulties and geopolitical tensions.