11 IndiGo, GoAir planes grounded

New Delhi, March 12

Aviation regulator DGCA today grounded 11 A320 neo aircraft powered by a certain series of Pratt & Whitney engines following instances of engine failures during flights. Of these, eight are operated by IndiGo and three by GoAir.

The decision came hours after an A320 neo aircraft of IndiGo suffered engine failure mid-air and made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport.

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Citing safety of aircraft operations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said A320 neos fitted with PW1100 engines beyond ESN 450 have been grounded with immediate effect. “Both IndiGo and GoAir have been told not to refit these engines, which are spare with them in their inventory,” the DGCA said.

The regulator would be in touch with the stakeholders and review the situation in due course and when the issue is addressed by European regulator EASA and P&W, it added.

On February 9, EASA had issued an emergency airworthiness directive for A320 neo planes fitted with PW1100 engines having a particular serial number. The directive followed instances of the engines’ shutdown during flights and rejected take-offs involving the A320 neo family aircraft.

On February 13, DGCA had said it was monitoring engine glitches to ensure that safety was not compromised. — PTI