Low-fare carrier Wizz Air has posted a small profit of US$1.3 million and revised its profit guidance at the end of Q1 2025 after it recorded a 98% profit drop YoY with Q1 2024.
The airline noted that an average of 46 A320neo family aircraft were grounded due to the removals and inspections of PW1100G engines. However, József Váradi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive Officer, commented that the airline “still carried 15.3 million passengers over the three months,” ending with a 0.5% improvement YoY, while total revenue increased by 1.8% to €1,259.3 million.
The airline’s costs also increased by 5%, growing to €1.2 billion ($1.29 billion). However, it also disclosed that it was compensated €91 million ($98.1 million) during Q1, which included compensation for the Pratt & Whitney engines.
Looking ahead, Váradi said that the airline is focusing on further optimising its operations, with an emphasis on “improving our most profitable bases and enhancing efficiency”.
He added, “We remain on track to return to annual capacity growth in F26, underpinned by the pipeline of Airbus deliveries.”
Photo: Wizz Air
GTF Engine Updates
As part of its Q1 results, Váradi also gave a GTF engine update. Peak aircraft groundings are expected to be 47 aircraft in September 2025, against the previous forecast of 50. Wizz Air received 14 GTF spare engines in Q1 F25 and is expecting a further 2 to limit the grounding of the neo aircraft fleet. The total GTF spare pool will exceed 56 by the end of summer 2024.
The airline also noted that since Airbus revised its manufacturing output in June, it anticipates that it could impact the scheduled fleet programme. As a result, it expects 30-35 aircraft to be delayed from F26.
Váradi added: “Our performance this quarter demonstrates the resilience of Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost business model. Despite the competitive landscape and ongoing supply chain challenges, our strategic focus on delivering the lowest fares, improving our route network, and maintaining high operational efficiency has yielded results.
We have made significant operational strides this quarter, achieving a 99.8% completion and a 67.6% on-time performance rate, up 7.1 ppts from last year. This improvement is the result of our continuous investment in technology, staff training and infrastructure enhancements. We successfully operate almost 800 routes in over 50 countries between 33 bases across Europe and the Middle East.”
