Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International) has been forced to ground three out of its five A320neos due to problems with their Pratt & Whitney engines. Analysis of FlightRadar24 ADS-B data shows that N905NK (msn 7334) has been at Dallas/Fort Worth since March 13, N901NK (msn 6833) since March 30, and N902NK (msn 6907) since April 8.
The Spirit Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) pilot union advised its pilots via Facebook that the ultra low cost carrier had leased in aircraft from Miami Air International (Miami International) to cover capacity while the A320neos are out of action. Miami Air operated Fort Lauderdale International-Latrobe-Fort Lauderdale International on April 8 and Tampa International-Detroit Metropolitan-Tampa International on April 9, and additional flights on the 9th and 10th.
As previously reported, the PW1100G geared turbofans have presented several issues, namely with the combustion chamber, a problem with one of the bearings, and indicators of metal chips in the engine oil. Other airlines which have reported problems with the powerplants are Indian carriers IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) and GoAir (Mumbai International). IndiGo Airlines has advised its pilots to fly the A320neos at a maximum of 30,000 feet when practicable. Meanwhile, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to carry out borescopic inspections of all affected engines after 500 hours.
