Airlines

IndiGo to Receive Customized Compensation from Pratt & Whitney for Engine Groundings

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InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, has reached an agreement with International Aero Engines (IAE), an affiliate of Pratt & Whitney, for customized compensation related to grounded aircraft affected by engine issues.

According to a recent PTI report, InterGlobe Aviation finalized an amendment to its existing agreement with IAE on June 14, 2024. The compensation addresses the ongoing situation where over 70 IndiGo planes have been grounded due to problems with Pratt & Whitney engines.

Specifically, more than 30 aircraft were affected by a powder metal defect, with others sidelined due to earlier issues. Although the exact financial details were not disclosed, the arrangement reflects efforts to mitigate the operational impacts faced by the airline.

Last year, Pratt & Whitney identified a rare powder metal defect that posed a risk of engine component cracking in twin-engined Airbus A320neo aircraft. This discovery necessitated accelerated inspections across affected fleets, potentially grounding 600-700 Airbus jets between 2023 and 2026.

Despite these challenges, InterGlobe Aviation reported robust financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 2024. The Gurugram-based carrier, known for its budget-friendly operations, recorded a significant increase in profit after tax to Rs 1,894.8 crore for the March quarter. This growth was driven by higher passenger traffic, expanded capacity, and favorable market conditions.

For the full fiscal year, IndiGo achieved a net profit of Rs 8,172.5 crore on a record total income of Rs 18,505.1 crore. As of March 2024, the airline operated a fleet of 367 planes, including 13 on damp lease, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the domestic aviation sector.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.