The top executives of the US-based aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney (P&W) recently travelled to India to address client problems, look for new business opportunities, and assess existing investments.
Due to the inconvenience and unfavourable publicity that numerous Airbus A320neos of IndiGo and Go First generated over the previous few months, Pratt & Whitney recently paid a visit to India. The engine producer was in the country to fix the engine supply issues and to explore additional commercial opportunities.
Challenges faced by Go First and IndiGo
Several reports in recent weeks have emphasised the challenges that Go First, and IndiGo have faced as a result of grounded aircraft. IndiGo has resorted to leasing in order to satisfy demand as Go First struggles to maintain capacity and schedule, which has caused India's regulator, the DGCA, to investigate the situation. Due to a lack of engines and replacement parts, a total of more than 50 aircraft from both carriers have been grounded.
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Centre for Aviation Report
According to CAPA, an aviation consulting company, around 75 aircraft operated by Indian airlines are currently grounded because of maintenance and engine-related concerns. These aircraft, which make up about 10–12% of the fleet in India, are grounded because of maintenance or engine-related problems. In the second half, they "will have a significant impact on financials," according to CAPA's India Mid-Year Outlook 2023.
Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is one of the few engine producers that has a stronghold on the aviation market. The other two are General Electric and Rolls-Royce. When aeroplane manufacturers choose to provide a range of alternatives for their models, airlines frequently have to choose which engines to utilise.
The joint venture between General Electric and French engine manufacturer Safran for CFM engines has increased its overall market share in India, where it fought P&W to obtain the contracts to provide engines to hundreds of IndiGo aircraft.
Read More: ATR’s Regional Turboprop Aircraft Powered by New PW127XT-M Engine Gets Certified by EASA
Finding a Solution
The presidents of P&W, Shane Eddy and Rick Deurloo, informed representatives of the two budget carriers that they are working hard to find a solution, according to information shared by Business Standard.
Future Prediction
Pratt & Whitney predicted that things would be in better shape by the end of 2022. They emphasised the fact that not just them but the entire aviation industry faces supply-chain problems. Akasa Air had to reconfigure some of its planes owing to supply shortages around the world, reduce the number of seats, and alter the upholstery of some of its aircraft.
