New Delhi (Agency): India’s top domestic airline, IndiGo, has decided to take a significant step regarding its aircraft engines. They will be sending 13 of their engines to the American manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, for a thorough inspection. This move has caught the attention of many, as just last month, Pratt & Whitney had made an announcement. They stated that around the globe, 1,200 of their engines would require an examination.
But why exactly is IndiGo sending these engines? According to a report from Mint, out of these 13 engines, two are currently in use, while 11 come from planes that aren’t flying at the moment.
Pratt & Whitney isn’t new to the headlines. In fact, they’ve been a topic of discussion recently. This is partly because they once supplied engines to GoFirst, an airline now facing financial difficulties. The inspection plan revealed by Pratt & Whitney aims to take a close look at about 1,200 PW1100G engines. And this isn’t a leisurely check; they plan to complete it in the coming 9 to 12 weeks.
The interesting fact is, when it comes to India, only two airline companies use the PW1100-run A320neo engines – IndiGo and GoFirst. Back in 2019, there was a directive from the Indian Civil Aviation regulator, DGCA. They asked both airlines to make certain changes to their A320neo planes, the ones equipped with P&W engines.
Taking a deeper dive into IndiGo’s operations reveals some significant numbers. They boast a fleet of 312 aircraft. However, not all of them are up in the sky. Around 45 of their planes are grounded, waiting for maintenance, or in need of engines and spare parts. Looking back to 2012, IndiGo had entered into an agreement with Pratt & Whitney. The deal was for PurePower PW1100G-JM engines, meant for 150 A320neo family planes. But later, IndiGo decided to collaborate with another US-based engine producer, CFM, and chose their LEAP-1A engines for a whopping 590 of their A320neo family aircraft.
Now, you might wonder what’s the big deal with these inspections? The core issue here revolves around the type of metal used in making the PW1100G engines. The reason these inspections are so vital is because of a discovery by Pratt & Whitney. They found a unique issue with the powdered metal used in some engine parts. This metal might lead to a reduction in the engine’s overall lifespan.
As the aviation world keeps a close eye on Pratt & Whitney’s inspections, airlines like IndiGo are taking proactive steps. By sending their engines for examination, they’re not just ensuring their aircraft’s safety but also showing their commitment to passenger safety. The outcome of these inspections might influence decisions in the aviation sector in the days to come.
