Swiss International Air Lines is permanently removing two Airbus A220-100 aircraft from service as the carrier responds to persistent engine availability challenges affecting its regional fleet.
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Swiss International Air Lines is permanently removing two Airbus A220-100 aircraft from service as the carrier responds to persistent engine availability challenges affecting its regional fleet.
The airline has confirmed that aircraft registered HB-JBC and HB-JBD will be dismantled after being placed in storage in Toulouse, France. The move is designed to release engines and components that can be redeployed across the airline’s wider Airbus A220 fleet, helping improve aircraft availability and operational reliability.
The decision reflects the growing pressure airlines continue to face from shortages of Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, which have led to aircraft groundings and maintenance disruptions worldwide.
Swiss, which became the launch operator of the Airbus A220 programme in 2016 when the aircraft was still known as the Bombardier CS100, is now prioritising the operation of its larger Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation A2Z, the two aircraft selected for dismantling were among nine A220-100s already earmarked for temporary withdrawal from active service.
Instead of returning the jets to commercial operations, Swiss will use them as a source of engines and spare parts for other aircraft.
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The airline has indicated that securing critical parts internally is currently one of the most effective ways to maintain operational stability amid industry-wide supply constraints.
At the centre of the challenge is the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engine family, which powers both the Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 variants.
The engines have been affected by broader inspection and maintenance requirements that have forced airlines globally to ground aircraft for extended periods.
Swiss plans to continue reducing the number of active A220-100 aircraft in service over the coming months.
According to the report, three of the airline's remaining seven A220-100 aircraft are already parked at Toulouse Francazal Airport, while additional aircraft may remain in storage for up to 18 months depending on maintenance and operational requirements.
The strategy allows Swiss to redirect available engines toward its larger A220-300 fleet, which offers greater seating capacity and stronger operating economics.
The Airbus A220-300 accommodates up to 145 passengers, enabling the airline to maximise capacity on European routes while making more efficient use of limited engine resources.
Despite dismantling the two aircraft, Swiss has not taken a final decision on the long-term future of the A220-100 fleet.
Airline officials have stated that prioritising the larger A220-300 variant currently represents the most practical approach to maintaining schedule integrity and controlling operating costs.
The carrier stressed that the redistribution of assets should not be interpreted as a definitive phase-out of the smaller aircraft type. Instead, future decisions will depend on market conditions, operational requirements and improvements in engine availability.
The airline's challenges extend beyond the A220 programme. Swiss has also confirmed that four Airbus A320neo-family aircraft remain grounded due to engine-related issues linked to the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan family.
Swiss is among several airlines adjusting fleet strategies to cope with prolonged engine shortages that have affected aircraft utilisation and network planning across the industry.
By using retired aircraft as a source of engines and components, the carrier aims to keep more aircraft in revenue service while reducing operational disruption.
As manufacturers and maintenance providers work through inspection backlogs and repair schedules, airlines are increasingly being forced to balance fleet growth plans with the realities of constrained engine supply, making aircraft availability a critical factor in operational decision-making.
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