Air Astana bracing for GTF engine issues through 2028

:: Air Astana

Challenges with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines will continue to impact the operation of Air Astana Group’s fleet of A320neo family narrowbodies until at least 2028. This view was expressed by the CEO of the Kazakh carrier Peter Foster in an interview with Airliner World.

“This isn’t a short-term problem, it’s a multi-year design robustness challenge,” he stated.

Earlier, the airline reported that during the summer of 2025, it was forced to ground 13 A320neo family aircraft due to engine-related issues. This occurred despite mitigation measures, which included resting engines during the low season to preserve their resource.

According to Foster, the situation has not improved. Beyond the primary issue concerning powdered-metal contamination of high-pressure turbine disks, the PW1100G engines have also faced problems with vibration, seal defects, and oil leaks.

Currently, Air Astana’s fleet includes 27 A320/321neo aircraft, with an additional 12 operated by its low-cost subsidiary, FlyArystan. In February, the airline group’s board approved the acquisition of 25 new aircraft of this family with option for 25 more jets.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Air Astana to increase flights to Baku; FlyArystan boosts Yining service.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Air Astana Group secures component supplier for A320 fleet.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Air Astana Group reports financial impact amid escalating PW1100G technical challenges.