Commercial Aviation
Airbus Limits A320neo Takeoffs in Severe Icing Conditions from 2025
Airbus restricts A320neo family takeoffs in freezing fog under 150m visibility to prevent PW1100G engine stalls, updating ground procedures.
New Operational Restrictions for Airbus A320neo Family in Severe Icing Conditions
As we navigate the winter season of late 2025, the aviation industry faces a significant operational update regarding one of the world’s most popular narrowbody aircraft families. Airbus SE has issued a directive restricting takeoff operations for specific A320neo family aircraft under severe icing conditions. This move, aimed at prioritizing safety, specifically impacts aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G (GTF) engines. The decision comes in response to reports of engine performance issues when operating in freezing fog with extremely low visibility.
We observe that these restrictions are not a blanket grounding but rather a targeted safety measure designed to mitigate risks associated with ice accumulation. The directive prohibits takeoff when freezing fog is present and visibility drops below 150 meters (490 feet). While this ensures the integrity of the engines during critical phases of flight, it introduces new logistical challenges for Airlines operating in regions prone to harsh winter weather. The industry is now adjusting to these tighter margins to maintain safety standards without severely disrupting schedules.
The context of this decision is rooted in the technical behavior of the engines during ground operations. When supercooled water droplets freeze on engine components, there is a risk of ice shedding into the engine core during high-thrust maneuvers. By implementing these restrictions, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney are taking a proactive stance to prevent engine stalls or damage, ensuring that flight crews have clear guidelines on when it is safe to proceed and when operations must be paused.
Detailed Operational Limitations and Procedures
The core of the new directive, detailed in the Notice to Pilots (NTP 2025-002) and updates to the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM), establishes strict “no-go” criteria. Operators flying the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A321LR with PW1100G-JM engines must halt takeoff attempts if the weather reports indicate freezing fog combined with visibility of less than 150 meters. This specific combination of atmospheric conditions has been identified as the threshold where the risk of ice ingestion outweighs the operational capability of the current engine configuration to shed it safely during takeoff.
Beyond the takeoff prohibition, we see a rigorous update to ground engine run-up procedures. Previously, pilots were required to accelerate engines to a minimum of 60% N1 (fan speed) to shed ice. The updated protocol now mandates a specific 30-second hold at 60% N1. This duration is critical; it ensures that centrifugal forces have sufficient time to dislodge accumulated ice from the fan blades and inlet before the aircraft attempts high-power acceleration. This change reflects a more data-driven approach to ice management, moving from a general target to a precise, time-bound procedure.
Furthermore, the frequency of these ice-shedding run-ups has been intensified. When the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) drops to -9°C (15.8°F) or lower, flight crews must now perform these acceleration intervals every 30 minutes, a drastic reduction from the previous 120-minute window. Additionally, the “taxi-in credit”, which previously allowed pilots to count the time spent taxiing from a previous landing toward their anti-icing timeline, has been revoked. The clock now resets immediately, forcing crews to be more vigilant and proactive with engine management while on the ground.
“The restriction applies specifically when freezing fog is present and visibility is less than 150 meters. This measure addresses Safety concerns related to potential engine stalls caused by ice accumulation and shedding during ground operations.”
Technical Background and Safety Rationale
To understand the necessity of these restrictions, we must look at the mechanics of the issue. In freezing fog, moisture exists in a supercooled state, meaning it remains liquid below the freezing point until it makes contact with a surface. When these droplets hit the engine’s inlet and fan blades, they freeze instantly. If a significant amount of ice accumulates and then breaks off in a single large chunk, particularly as the engine spools up to takeoff thrust, it can be ingested into the engine core. This ingestion disrupts the airflow, potentially leading to a compressor stall (surge) or physical degradation of internal components.
The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G “Geared Turbofan” engine is a sophisticated piece of machinery designed for high efficiency. However, like all high-bypass engines, it is sensitive to inlet airflow disruptions. The revised procedures are designed to ensure that ice is shed in smaller, manageable amounts during the 30-second hold at 60% N1, rather than allowing it to build up to a dangerous mass that could cause damage during the takeoff roll. This is a preventative measure to avoid the scenario where an engine might lose power or sustain damage at the most critical point of the flight profile.
It is also important to place this in the broader context of Pratt & Whitney’s recent operational history. While this icing issue is distinct, it adds to the challenges for operators of the GTF engine, which has already seen fleet groundings due to unrelated manufacturing inspections regarding powdered metal components. The accumulation of these maintenance and operational requirements places a premium on the technical adaptability of airlines using this hardware.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The immediate impact of these restrictions is being felt by carriers operating in northern latitudes and regions with severe winter climates. Airlines such as Air Astana, based in Kazakhstan, have already reported flight delays and schedule adjustments. For hubs like Almaty, where freezing fog and low visibility are common winter occurrences, these restrictions translate to tangible operational disruptions. We see airlines having to delay flights until visibility improves beyond the 150-meter threshold, creating a ripple effect on schedules and passenger connections.
From a Manufacturing perspective, both Airbus and Pratt & Whitney have acknowledged the situation. Airbus has confirmed that these restrictions are necessary safety precautions and is maintaining close contact with airline customers to navigate the disruptions. Pratt & Whitney is reportedly working on a technical solution to resolve the limitation permanently. Until a hardware fix or further software update is certified, these procedural mitigations remain the primary defense against icing-related engine events.
Looking ahead, the industry will be watching closely for the development of a permanent fix. While the current procedures ensure safety, the operational burden of 30-minute run-up intervals and takeoff bans in fog is significant. We anticipate that engineering teams will prioritize a solution that restores the full operational envelope of the A320neo family, allowing it to operate more freely in the harsh winter environments it was designed to serve.
FAQ
Question: Which Commercial-Aircraft are affected by these new restrictions?
Answer: The restrictions apply to Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A321LR aircraft that are equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM (GTF) engines.
Question: What are the specific weather conditions that prohibit takeoff?
Answer: Takeoff is not permitted if there is freezing fog present AND visibility is below 150 meters (490 feet).
Question: How have ground procedures changed for pilots?
Answer: Pilots must now perform a 30-second engine run-up at 60% N1 to shed ice. Additionally, if the temperature is -9°C or lower, this must be done every 30 minutes (previously every 120 minutes), and taxi-in time no longer counts toward this interval.
Photo Credit: Nick Murray – CBC
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Riyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
Riyadh Air firms up A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough 2026, targeting 100 global destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabian startup carrier Riyadh Air (RX) has expanded its future widebody fleet by firming up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026. The agreement exercises purchase rights from a 2025 commitment for up to 50 airframes, bringing the airline’s total firm backlog for the European manufacturer’s largest twin-engine jet to 31 aircraft.
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the transaction and noted that Riyadh Air will become the first operator of the A350-1000 in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s mandate to support the national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets serving more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade.
Expanding the Airbus widebody footprint
The Airbus A350-1000 offers a maximum non-stop range of 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), providing the operational capability required for Riyadh Air’s planned ultra-long-haul services. Airbus states the aircraft delivers a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that the finalized order reflects continued confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience,” Boukadida said.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial-Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the commitment highlights the aircraft’s efficiency and range. He noted the A350-1000 will play a central role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub. As of the end of June 2026, Airbus had recorded 1,595 firm Orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide.
Concurrent Boeing 787 Dreamliner expansion
The Airbus finalization occurred alongside a separate widebody order placed with The Boeing Company. According to reporting by Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air also confirmed an order for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the Farnborough event on July 20.
This separate agreement introduces the Boeing 787-10 variant to the carrier’s fleet. Following the announcement, Riyadh Air’s total firm commitment for the Dreamliner family stands at 67 aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas told Al Arabiya that the introduction of the 787-10 and the expanded Dreamliner backlog marks another significant milestone in the airline’s journey toward its 2030 network goals. The carrier recently opened ticket sales for its initial overseas routes as it prepares for the launch of commercial operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s dual widebody orders at Farnborough as a clear signal of the carrier’s aggressive timeline and robust capital backing. By splitting its high-capacity, long-haul requirements between the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-10, the airline mitigates delivery risk in an era of constrained aerospace supply chains. Securing 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s provides the necessary metal to rapidly scale a global network from scratch. However, the operational complexity of inducting two distinct widebody types simultaneously will require substantial training, tooling, and maintenance infrastructure investments prior to the Launch of commercial flights.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Commercial Aviation
IndiGo Signs Record 1000 LEAP-1A Engine MoU with CFM
IndiGo and CFM International signed an MoU at Farnborough 2026 for 1,000+ LEAP-1A engines to power 510 A320neo Family jets.
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo and CFM International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 20, 2026, for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement, finalized at the Farnborough International Airshow, represents the largest single order for LEAP engines in the manufacturer’s history.
The procurement completes the engine selection for IndiGo’s outstanding narrowbody order book and includes a long-term material services agreement. According to a press release issued by GE Aerospace, the deal also provides support for establishing a new engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the airline. CFM International operates as a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Record-setting engine procurement
The MoU covers the power requirements for a specific segment of IndiGo’s future fleet. Reporting by Aviation Week indicates the order breaks down to engines for 135 undecided Airbus A320neos and 375 undecided Airbus A321neos. The airline currently operates more than 430 aircraft, with over 375 A320 and A321 Family jets already supported by CFM.
Incoming IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh, who officially assumes the role by August 2026, stated the LEAP engine’s reliability makes it the ideal choice to support the carrier’s scale and operational resilience.
“As IndiGo embarks on its next phase of growth towards becoming a truly global airline, we are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with CFM International for the engines powering future deliveries of our Airbus A320/321neo Family aircraft fleet,” Walsh said in the company statement.
GE Aerospace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. noted the engines are delivering up to twice the time on wing in hot and harsh operating environments compared to their initial entry into service.
Transitioning the narrowbody fleet
The massive LEAP-1A commitment finalizes IndiGo’s pivot away from the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan (GTF) engine. Aviation Week reported the airline previously faced the grounding of up to 75 aircraft due to GTF durability problems and powder metal defect issues.
IndiGo began its relationship with CFM in 2016 with a sub-fleet of Airbus A320ceo Family aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. The carrier deepened that partnership in 2019 by selecting the LEAP-1A for its initial batch of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The July 20 agreement ensures the remainder of the airline’s narrowbody deliveries will utilize CFM propulsion.
AirPro News analysis
We view this 1,000-engine MoU as a definitive operational reset for IndiGo as it prepares for leadership under Willie Walsh. The carrier’s previous exposure to Pratt & Whitney GTF supply chain and durability constraints severely impacted capacity. By standardizing the remaining 510 A320neo Family deliveries on the LEAP-1A, IndiGo is prioritizing fleet availability and predictable maintenance intervals over a split-engine strategy. The inclusion of localized MRO support in the agreement also signals a maturation of India’s domestic aviation infrastructure, reducing the airline’s reliance on constrained global overhaul facilities.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
SMBC Aviation Capital Orders 200 Aircraft at Farnborough 2026
SMBC Aviation Capital placed firm orders for 100 A320neo family and 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets at Farnborough Airshow 2026.
Aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital secured a massive dual-manufacturer commitment at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026, placing firm orders for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets.
The 200-aircraft acquisition guarantees the lessor a steady stream of narrowbody deliveries into the mid-2030s. This strategic move comes as the broader aviation industry continues to grapple with persistent supply-chain bottlenecks that have constrained production rates at both major airframers.
Airbus narrowbody commitments
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the firm order consists of 65 Airbus A321neo and 35 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The agreement pushes the total number of direct Airbus commitments from SMBC Aviation Capital and its parent company, Sumitomo Corporation, past 900 aircraft.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighted the long-standing relationship between the manufacturer and the lessor.
“We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft, the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike,” de Saint-Exupéry stated.
Boeing 737 MAX and CFM engine agreements
Concurrently, SMBC Aviation Capital announced a matching commitment with Boeing for 100 narrowbody aircraft. The lessor’s official statement detailed a split of 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
To power the newly ordered Airbus fleet, SMBC Aviation Capital also secured an agreement for up to 90 CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
SMBC Aviation Capital Chief Executive Officer Peter Barrett emphasized the necessity of securing long-term availability for the company’s airline clients.
“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” Barrett said.
He added that the order reflects the lessor’s confidence in the sustained demand for the A320neo family. Deliveries for the newly ordered Airbus aircraft are expected to commence in the first half of the 2030s.
AirPro News analysis
We view SMBC Aviation Capital’s balanced 200-aircraft acquisition as a direct response to the current manufacturing environment. By splitting the order evenly between the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, the lessor is effectively hedging its delivery risks. Industry reporting from the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow indicates that total dealmaking may fall short of the ambitious 800-aircraft expectations held by some analysts, largely due to ongoing production bottlenecks at both Airbus and Boeing.
In an environment where near-term delivery slots are virtually nonexistent, securing a pipeline that stretches into the mid-2030s is critical for major lessors. Airline customers are increasingly reliant on lessors to provide capacity growth and fleet renewal options when direct manufacturer orders face multi-year backlogs. The inclusion of 60 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and 65 Airbus A321neos also underscores a continued market shift toward the largest variants of both narrowbody families, maximizing seat capacity in slot-constrained airports.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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