IndiGo and GoAir have grounded nine A320neo planes due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has sought a detailed report on the matter from the DGCA taking note of the grounding.
"At present, there are 60 A320neos with P&W engines (41 with IndiGo and 19 with GoAir). As on date, 7 with IndiGo and 2 with GoAir are on ground," the DGCA said in a statement.
These groundings are due to combustor distress found during routine scheduled boroscopic inspection, it added. It refers to inspection done using a boroscope—an optical device that is used for inspecting parts that are generally inaccessible.
The regulator also said there are no safety concerns as such distress is found during routine scheduled boroscope inspections of these engines.
"A320 neos inducted after March 2018 are coming with P&W engines fitted with Block C combustors which has better life. Engines coming from shop are also fitted with Block C combustors," said the statement.
IndiGo and GoAir have been grappling with P&W engine problems persisting for many months. The manufacturers have taken measures to address significant problems of engines related to combustion chambers distress and No 3 bearing issues by replacing Block B combustion chambers with Block C and providing dry face bearing seals.
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