IndiGo, India's largest airline, has offered a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing disruptions caused by Pratt & Whitney engine issues. The carrier has expressed optimism about a reduction in the number of aircraft grounded due to these engine problems by the beginning of next year. The announcement came alongside the airline's report of its first quarterly profit decline in nearly two years.
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A rare powder metal defect discovered in Pratt & Whitney engines last year has resulted in the grounding of hundreds of twin-engined Airbus A320neo aircraft globally. IndiGo, a significant customer of the A320 family, has been particularly affected, with approximately one-fifth of its fleet grounded at one point due to engine troubles. This situation has led to increased leasing costs for the airline as it has relied on leased aircraft to maintain operations amid booming travel demand in India's rapidly growing aviation market.
IndiGo's Chief Financial Officer, Gaurav Negi, stated that the number of grounded aircraft currently stands in the mid-70s. While acknowledging the challenges, Negi expressed confidence in a gradual decline of groundings in the coming months. The airline plans to continue leasing additional jets to meet the surging passenger numbers.
While the news of potential relief from engine-related disruptions is undoubtedly positive for IndiGo, the full extent of the impact on its operations and finances remains to be seen. The airline industry as a whole has been grappling with supply chain issues and rising fuel costs, adding to the complexities of the operating environment. As IndiGo navigates these challenges, the coming months will be crucial in determining the airline's ability to restore its fleet to full strength and maintain its position as a dominant player in the Indian aviation market.