BUDAPEST- Wizz Air (W6), the Hungarian low-cost carrier, is experiencing a period of mixed growth and strategic adjustments as it grapples with ongoing issues affecting its Pratt and Whitney GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines.
Despite these challenges, AIR SERVICE ONE’s analysis of Cirium data for Q3 2024 reveals a modest overall growth of 1.9% compared to the same period in 2023. This growth, however, masks significant variations across Wizz Air’s extensive network of country markets.
Wizz Air Expects Growth
Italy remains Wizz Air’s largest market, showing resilience with an 8% increase in capacity to 3,162,000 monthly one-way seats. This growth underscores Italy’s importance in Wizz Air’s network strategy.
Romania and Poland, the second and third largest markets respectively, both demonstrate steady growth at 3%, indicating stability in these key Eastern European markets.
The most dramatic growth is observed in several markets. Spain leads with a remarkable 34% increase, followed closely by Hungary at 31%, and Albania at 36%. These significant upticks suggest a strategic focus on expanding Wizz Air’s presence in Southern and Eastern Europe. Belgium also shows strong growth at 38%, albeit from a smaller base.
Conversely, several markets have experienced substantial contractions. The most notable are Bahrain and Luxembourg, where Wizz Air has completely withdrawn its services, resulting in a 100% capacity reduction.
Other markets facing significant cuts include Latvia (-76%), Bosnia & Herzegovina (-62%), and Israel (-47%). These reductions likely reflect a combination of factors, including route profitability, competitive pressures, and operational constraints due to the engine issues.
Growth in Middle East Country
A notable development is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) entry into Wizz Air’s top 10 markets, with a 17% growth to 570,000 monthly seats. This rise is largely attributed to the airline’s Abu Dhabi base, highlighting Wizz Air’s strategic expansion beyond its traditional European focus.
The airline is also making significant inroads in emerging markets. Oman leads this charge with a staggering 97% growth, followed by Morocco (64%), Egypt (50%), and Denmark (45%). These expansions indicate Wizz Air’s efforts to diversify its network and tap into new growth opportunities.
However, some established markets are seeing declines. The UK, Wizz Air’s fourth-largest market, shows a 3% decrease. Germany, another major market, faces a more substantial 10% reduction. These changes may reflect shifting demand patterns or strategic reallocations of capacity.
What are your thoughts on Wizz Air Growth? Let us know in the comments.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
The post Wizz Air Anticipates Growth Despite Pratt and Whitney Engine Issues | Exclusive appeared first on Aviation A2Z.