IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) has grounded at least seven of its A320neo aircraft over ongoing problems with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100 geared turbofan engines. Analysis of FlightRadar24 ADS-B data shows that the following aircraft have been in Delhi for at least the past ten days:

  • VT-ITG (msn 6868) since May 16
  • VT-ITF (msn 6860) since June 21
  • VT-ITN (msn 7252) since June 21
  • VT-ITJ (msn 6967) since June 26
  • VT-ITM (msn 7053) since June 27
  • VT-ITK (msn 7001) since June 30
  • VT-ITS (msn 6772) since July 8

Replacement engines have been slow in coming to the Indian low-cost carrier, as the engine-maker needs to prioritise new aircraft coming off the production line. "PW is facing this issue on the A320neos globally. Due to this, it is unable to supply replacement engines at the required pace," an unnamed source told The Times of India.

In April, the Chief Financial Officer of Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac), Harald Wilhelm, bemoaned the turbofan engines, which are causing delays to the delivery of the A320neo. Reuters reports that Wilhelm is not satisfied with the demonstrated performance of the engines and was still waiting on proof of a technical solution to the problems.

As previously reported, the PW1100 geared turbofans have presented several issues, namely combustion chamber issues and a problem with the one of the bearings. The Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) earlier this year ordered examinations of the engines, which are also used by GoAir (Mumbai International).

IndiGo pilots operating the A320neo aircraft were advised in May to observe a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet whenever practicable, and to carry additional fuel.

IndiGo, which operates to destinations throughout India as well as to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Doha Hamad International, Dubai International, Kathmandu, Muscat, Sharjah, and Singapore Changi, currently operates twenty-two A320neo aircraft and has more than 400 on order.