IndiGo’s Q4 Challenge: Anticipates Grounding 35 Aircraft Amid P&W Engine Issues
IndiGo, the largest airline in India, has announced its anticipation of grounding at least 35 aircraft in the upcoming March quarter due to a powder metal issue with Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines. The airline already has nearly 40 aircraft grounded due to other problems with P&W engines.
With a fleet of 334 planes at the end of September, IndiGo is expected to face capacity challenges in the March quarter as a significant number of aircraft remain grounded. The airline is actively taking measures to address the situation, but the anticipated groundings in the coming months are expected to add to the existing challenges.
IndiGo stated that it has recently received additional information from Pratt & Whitney regarding the powder metal issue, leading to a preliminary assessment of around 35 Aircraft on Ground (AOG) during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year (Jan-Mar 2024). These groundings are incremental to the
current AOGs.
Pratt & Whitney had earlier highlighted the impact of the powder metal issue on its new generation GTF aircraft engine. Globally, a substantial number of engines, ranging between 600-700, are scheduled for accelerated inspections and shop visits between 2023 and 2026, with two-thirds of these engine removals planned for 2023 and early 2024.
IndiGo expressed its commitment to working closely with Pratt & Whitney to gather more information and address the situation. The airline is also focused on implementing mitigation measures to minimize the impact of these groundings on its capacity not only in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year but also beyond.
