Aircraft lessor Azorra sees improvement in Pratt & Whitney’s engine problems and expects demand for smaller, fuel-efficient jets to remain strong despite higher fuel costs and industry disruptions. Pratt, an RTX unit, has faced maintenance delays and metal contamination affecting geared turbofan engines used on Embraer’s E2 family and Airbus’ A220 and A320neo aircraft. Azorra President Ron Baur said the situation is improving, while aircraft shortages continue to bolster leasing demand. Baur also reiterated interest in a potential stretched Airbus A220-500, which Airbus has studied but not launched.