 "Fix Airbus 320 engine issues within specified time: DGCA tells P&W")
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked engine maker Pratt & Whitney to fix the snags in its engines powering Airbus 320 neo planes operated by IndiGo and GoAir within a "specified time".
Against the backdrop of multiple incidents involving A320 neo aircraft running on P&W engines, DGCA held detailed discussions with the company and Airbus on Wednesday.
A senior official said P&W has been asked to fix the problems in its engines within a specified time period.
In separate statements, P&W and Airbus said they are working closely with the Indian civil aviation authorities.
Currently, there are 21 A320 neo planes of IndiGo and GoAir that are powered by P&W engines that have been frequently facing technical snags.
"Though they (Airbus and P&W) are in regular contact with the DGCA, Wednesday's meeting was related to the incidents involving IndiGo and GoAir's A320 neo planes with P&W engines," the official said.
"We have already asked the engine maker and the two airlines to do certain things. We again flagged those issues and asked them to fix the problems within specific deadline," the official added.
Last month, the DGCA had directed IndiGo and GoAir to carry out inspections of the engines once they complete 1,000 hours of flying, instead of 1,500 hours as recommended by P&W.
Besides, the watchdog has called for repeat inspections every 500 hours thereafter.
Last month, two A320 neo planes of budget carrier GoAir made emergency landings due to the engine issues. In January, an IndiGo flight aborted take off at the last minute at Mumbai airport after one of its engines developed a fault during taxiing.
About the meeting with DGCA officials on Wednesday, a P&W spokesperson said the company with the support of Airbus is in close contact with the Indian authorities to address technical issues.
Without providing specific response to the queries, the company said it is working closely to provide solutions in a timely manner.
"We are also actively working with our customers in India and are supporting them in their daily operations," the spokesperson said in a statement e-mailed to PTI.
While noting that P&W rigorously monitors the fleet to ensure continued safe and reliable operations, the spokesperson said all its engines have been through a rigorous testing process.
The company's engines have been certified for safe operation by numerous government regulatory agencies around the world, demonstrating fit to fly status at time of delivery, the statement said.
An Airbus spokesperson said it is in close contact with customers in India and is supporting them in their daily operations.
All efforts are being put into "working closely with P&W and the DGCA to identify and provide solutions quickly," the spokesperson added.
