P&W working with Airbus, operators on engine problems of A320neo planes

The American aircraft engine-maker Pratt & Whitney on Monday said it is working with Airbus and its customers, including IndiGo, to minimise any "operational disruptions".

IndiGo has already grounded its three A320neo planes that are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines following a directive from European Aviation Safety Agency and put on hold deliveries of such aircraft from Airbus.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), meanwhile, ruled out grounding the Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A320Neo fleet.

In a statement, Pratt & Whitney said latest issue is isolated to a limited sub-population of engines and more than 90% of aircraft powered by the PW1100G-JM engines remain in service.

"Pratt & Whitney, with the support of Airbus, is in close contact with customers to address an issue that is isolated to a limited sub population of engines. In India, more than 90 per cent of aircraft powered PW1100G-JM engines remain in service. We are working with Airbus and our customers to minimise any operational disruption," it said.

The IndiGo has filed a response in Bombay Stock Exchange, "the product safety boards of P&W and Airbus, post- evaluating the PW1100G-JM engine issue, have decided that all Neo deliveries are on hold till further notice."