Indigo Airlines passengers with plans to travel after December should brace themselves for potential flight cancellations as the airline grapples with ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues.
In a recent development, India’s largest carrier has made the decision to ground several more aircraft during the fourth quarter of this fiscal year, resulting in a 50-aircraft reduction in Indigo’s fleet.
DGCA’s Involvement:
The root of the problem lies with Pratt & Whitney engines, which have been causing concerns for some time.
Indigo notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the engine issues, prompting DGCA to urge the airline to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India promptly.
DGCA warned that without local engine maintenance capabilities, the airline would be forced to ground its aircraft starting in 2024.
Collaborative Efforts:
In a bid to address the situation, a team from Pratt & Whitney met with DGCA officials last week to discuss the engine problems.
Both IndiGo and GoAir have been utilizing Pratt & Whitney’s new generation PW engines for their Airbus A320neo aircraft, and these engines have encountered numerous issues over the past six years.
Unless Indigo resolves its engine problems soon, approximately 50 of its existing aircraft will require PW engine replacements.
Failure to do so may result in a significant number of aircraft being grounded by the beginning of 2024.
Previous Setbacks:
Previously, the airline publicly attributed GoAir’s suspension of services to Pratt & Whitney engine problems.
Ashmita Sethi, Pratt & Whitney’s India head, emphasized the company’s commitment to India and its plans to make substantial investments in the country.
The company is actively exploring effective ways to serve its customers while prioritizing India as a key market.
Indigo passengers should remain informed about developments regarding their travel plans, as the airline addresses these engine-related challenges to ensure the safety and reliability of its fleet.
