Minister seeks report on 9 grounded aircraft

MUMBAI: Citing concern over passengers’ safety, minister of civil aviation Suresh Prabhu has asked Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a detailed report on grounding of 320neo aircraft with Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines by Indigo (7) and Goair (2).

BS Bhullar, director general of DGCA, said, “These are ‘preventive’ removals owing to our stringent parameters that were put in place owing to problems encountered last year. Airlines continue to take up issues with engine manufacturer for quick replacement of removed engines with modified versions.”

At present, 60 A320neos with P&W engines — 41 with Indigo and 19 with Go Air — are in use.

Prabhu said, “Passengers’ safety is of paramount importance and at no cost it should be compromised. DGCA has submitted a preliminary report.”

In the repot, DGCA’S has mentioned the aircraft were grounded owing to combustor distress found during routine scheduled boroscope inspection.

While Goair remained unavailable for comment.

Indigo confirmed that grounding of aircraft were grounded owing to non-availability of spare engines from P&W.

An Indigo spokesperson said, “The release of additional spare engines has been initiated by P&W so that all aircraft can be expected to be in service soon.”

DGCA also said the manufacturer has taken measures to address engine problems. The report also mentioned there are no safety concerns as such.