Nearly 50% of IndiGo A-320 Neo fleet is grounded. Here’s why

IndiGo is facing problems in replacing its Neo engines, thanks to Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Nearly 50% of the IndiGo's Airbus A-320 new engine option (Neo) fleet has become non-operational due to trouble with the Pratt & Whitney (PW) engines used on these planes.

Out of 22 A-320 Neos, nine are grounded due to engine issues but the GST from July 1 has led to some confusion over the import of replacement engines, leading to more trouble.

“PW is facing this issue on the A-320 Neos globally. Due to this, it is unable to supply replacement engines at the required pace. Also, there are some changes in the modifications that were being carried out on the replacement engines. So, the result is that the airlines using the A-320 Neo with PW engines are suffering," a source told TOI.

A unit of United Technologies Corp, P&W's A-320 Neo engines have been plagued with issues like slow engine startup times and erroneous engine software messages in the new engine.

IndiGo spokesman Ajay Jasra told TOI, “We continue to face operational issues with the Neo engine.... While this has caused operational disruptions, both PW and Airbus are working to address the issues. In the meantime, we continue to receive the necessary operational and technical support including the provision of spare engines to help mitigate the operational impact on us."

Jasra added, “We also faced some issues this month in getting some engines cleared at the customs post the implementation of GST. However, the government has cleared the confusion and has come out with a notification stating that leased aircraft and engines are exempt from custom duty so we are hopeful that this problem is behind us now.”

Meanwhile, a PW statement to the daily newspaper stated they are working on the issue with the Indian customers.