Indian regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has finally stepped in to look into the matter of grounded IndiGo and Go First aircraft due to shortage of spares. The grounded planes are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, but the Russia-Ukraine war and global supply chain issues have led to extended delays to secure the spares.
The DGCA officials are reportedly in talks with Pratt & Whitney management to solve the issue.
IndiGo and Go First combined have over 60 grounded A320s aircraft due to lack of engine spares.
“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken up the issue with P&W and has expressed concern over the grounding of the A320 fleet of Indian carriers because of non-availability of Pratt & Whitney engines. Go First seems to be facing more issues due to this matter,” a Hindustan Times report quotes a DGCA official.
Of lately Pratt & Whitney had plans to set up MRO facilities in India to meet the rising engine demands in the country, but global events have pushed the plans further.
A couple of months back a delegation from Pratt & Whitney visited India to take stock of the situation and estimated that the problem would be significantly resolved by early 2023. But the problem looks far worse.
“We expect industry-wide supply chain pressures to ease later this year, which will support increased output of new and overhauled engines. In the interim, we are providing direct logistical support to our suppliers as well as developing solutions to improve engine durability in hot and harsh operating environments,” said a Pratt & Whitney spokesperson while talking to Hindustan Times.
With no respite in sight, Go First is planning legal action against Pratt & Whitney to provide compensation for the losses incurred due to grounded planes.
Besides India, Pratt & Whitney engines are facing similar problems in Africa as well as Europe.