DGCA writes to IndiGo regarding the modification of PW engines

NEW DELHI: On Friday, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked IndiGo to ensure that all the 97 Neos which it currently has must get modified with PW engines under both their wings by January 31, 2020. The Neos that are upgraded will not be allowed to fly beyond that date.

IndiGo is considered to be the largest customer for this aircraft in the world and is yet to receive over 630 of them, it has been advised by the regulator to defer future deliveries so that the 97 Neos can get replacement engines instead of the new planes which are yet-to-be-delivered and continue flying them beyond next February.

The DGCA in its letter to IndiGo had said, "Last one week has witnessed four inflight shutdowns (of PW engines) and air turn back… has caused serious concern and resultant disruption. This situation cannot be allowed to go on indefinitely…. four successive events have not happened ever before and therefore, call for an urgent and effective action. We regret the inconvenience but we need desperate measures to put things in order."

Earlier the airline was asked to change one engine each on 16 planes by November 19, but now it has become 23 planes.

The DGCA has also directed IndiGo through the letter which read, "In case it is not done, such aircraft shall not be allowed to fly with unmodified engines. You may like to stagger or defer your future induction plan and procure sufficient number of modified engines to keep the existing fleet in operation."

After four cases of the PW engines on IndiGo A320 Neos stalled during takeoff within a weekend, the regulator had examined this issue threadbare and found unmodified or older version of PW engines which have flown for over 2,900 hours.