What are the common A220 problems?
At the heart of the problem are the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines that power the A220. These engines have exhibited durability concerns, including corrosion and powder-metal defects, which have led to premature wear and cracking. Such issues have necessitated more frequent maintenance than originally anticipated. Despite its considerable promise from an operational and passenger experience perspective, the Airbus A220 hasn’t had the best time in the last few years. The main source of its misery has been corrosion damage in the type’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines that relates to a production issue.
Why is A220 being discontinued?
Walking Away From The Type. Some carriers have already taken drastic steps. EgyptAir exited the A220 after prolonged inactivity tied to engine issues, and Air Austral announced this week plans to retire its A220-300 fleet amid persistent PW1500G reliability troubles. Passengers love the Airbus A220 for its comfort, pilots rave about its modern touches in the cockpit, and airlines can’t get enough of its efficiency. Yet, despite it being the most modern airliner flying today, not everything is going smoothly with the A220.The severity of the crisis has already prompted some carriers to abandon the aircraft entirely. EgyptAir retired its entire 12-aircraft A220 fleet in 2024, and more recently, French carrier Air Australia has announced plans to phase out its A220s, citing persistent reliability concerns and operational costs.As of early November 2025, approximately 17% of the global Airbus A220 fleet is currently parked or inactive. This figure is driven primarily by ongoing Pratt & Whitney PW1500G (GTF) engine issues, including corrosion and maintenance backlogs, which have grounded a significant number of aircraft across operators.
Why is the A220 so cheap?
LOW OPERATING COST BY DESIGN The A220 was designed with one goal in mind, savings for operators. With 25% lower operating cost per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, the A220’s clean-sheet design has delivered an efficient, versatile and profitable aircraft for operators. The A220 is engineered for superior efficiency, with research suggesting a 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft like the Boeing 737-600 or Airbus A318.
What happened to the Airbus A220?
Airbus has lowered its production target for the A220 jetliner to 12 aircraft per month in 2026, citing supply chain issues and engine delays. Airbus reaffirmed its commitment to higher production rates for other models and its overall financial outlook. The A220 family complements the A319neo in the Airbus range and competes with Boeing 737 MAX 7, as well as the smaller four-abreast Embraer E195-E2 and E190-E2, with the A220 holding over 55% market share in this small airliner category.What is the difference between the A220-100 and the A220-300? The A220-100 is the smallest aircraft in Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Its fuselage is slightly shorter than the one of A220-300 and it’s been specifically designed to serve the 100-135 seat market.The upgrade aligns the A220 with the look and feel of Airbus’ larger A350 and A330neo, and existing operators will be able to retrofit the new interior. Then in 2027, Airbus will roll out a higher-density A220-300 that can seat up to 160 passengers, boosting revenue potential without stretching into a larger model.
Why is the A220 not popular?
The A220’s engine issues are logistical. It’s simply a matter of airlines having a hard time getting parts and service for their engines, so they wind up having planes that can’t fly for long periods, which sucks for them. Unless you’re an airline executive or route/fleet planner, not particularly relevant to you. At the heart of the problem are the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines that power the A220. These engines have exhibited durability concerns, including corrosion and powder-metal defects, which have led to premature wear and cracking. Such issues have necessitated more frequent maintenance than originally anticipated.