LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) - Wizz Air ( WZZAF ) is edging

towards a deal with RTX-owned Pratt & Whitney to

purchase engines for 177 of its Airbus jets already on

order, according to two industry sources.

An announcement could come as early as this week's Paris

Airshow, they said, adding it would form part of a settlement

with the engine maker over groundings caused by repair times.

Wizz Air ( WZZAF ) and Pratt & Whitney parent RTX declined comment.

The airline, which operates an all-Airbus fleet, last year

said it had two options - its current supplier Pratt & Whitney,

whose engines are facing issues worldwide, forcing airlines to

ground planes, and competitor CFM, a joint venture between GE

Aerospace and France's Safran.

Choosing the next engine provider would depend on the

acquisition cost, durability of the engine, operating cost and

cost guarantees for aftermarket activities, Wizz Air ( WZZAF ) Chief

Executive Jozsef Varadi told Reuters.

Wizz Air ( WZZAF ) is among airlines that have been forced to ground a

large number of planes due to a powder metal issue with the

Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan (GTF) engine.

Its profit for its 2025 financial year, which ends on March

31, slumped over 60% due to the knock-on effects of the

groundings.