Wizz Air passenger numbers hit record in Aug despite groundings

(Sharecast News) - Hungary-based budget carrier Wizz Air reported a 1% rise in passenger numbers in August - setting a new record - although capacity fell due to continued groundings of aircraft using Pratt & Whitney's GTF engines. Wizz carried 6.2 million passengers during the month at an improved load factor of 95.4% versus 94.1% last year despite operated seat capacity being down 0.4% year on year due to the groundings.

Engine maker Pratt & Whitney last year said turbofan engines attached to Airbus A321s had to be inspected for potentially defective high-pressure turbine and compressor discs, exacerbating a global supply problem for airlines.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com