Air Austral plans to retire its A220 fleet, according to a La Tribune report.
The airline is based on Reunion Island — an overseas department and region of France in the Indian Ocean — and operates three A220-300s. Air Austral also operates three 777-300ERs and two 787-8s.
The French outlet reported that the airline's CEO Hugues Marchessaux said in an interview that the company had “no choice" but to upgrade to new model to “stabilise the company”.
The A220 fleet has faced ongoing challenges with Pratt & Whitney continuing its inspections on the geared turbofan (GTF) engine after contaminated powdered metal was found to be used during their manufacturing.
Airlines have faced mounting issues on their A220 fleet as a result of the GTF engine. airBaltic operates an all-airBaltic fleet and has faced several significant challenges as a result. Additionally, in February last year, EgyptAir sold its 12 A220s to lessor Azorra.
The report added that the airline is considering both the A320neo and 737 MAX family aircraft.