GoAir, IndiGo to induct Airbus A320neo planes

Qatar Airways cancels order of its first A320neo over unresolved engine issue

GoAir and IndiGo will continue to take deliveries of Airbus A320neo aircraft according to schedule, airline sources say.

Last Friday, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said his airline had cancelled the order of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft over unresolved engine issues. Qatar Airways, which was the launch customer for the A320neo, was supposed to receive its first aircraft late last year. Qatar Airways is due to receive four planes of the type this year and Al Baker said he would take a call later whether to accept the planes or cancel the order.  GoAir and IndiGo, however, have no such plan to cancel orders or defer deliveries.

While an IndiGo spokesperson declined to comment on the issue, sources said IndiGo would be taking aircraft deliveries in FY17 as planned.  IndiGo has so far inducted four Airbus A320neo planes and has 426 planes of the type on order. In FY17, the airline will add 29 aircraft.  Last Thursday, GoAir had taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Senior executives of the airline said GoAir would induct eight planes this year.  “Our 2016 delivery target of aircraft of all family types remains unchanged at 650+ aircraft,” said an Airbus spokesperson.

Engine maker Pratt & Whitney has indicated it will provide upgraded engines from summer, according to sources.

In a post-results conference call, the IndiGo management said the A320neo had resulted in promised fuel savings but acknowledged there were problems in its engine.

“This engine cool-down issue slows the engine start process and impacts our ability to turn the aircraft around quickly, which is an essential part of our low-cost business model,” IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh told analysts.

IndiGo has selected Pratt & Whitney engines for its 150 A320neo aircraft and Ghosh said the airline would evaluate both Pratt & Whitney and CFM engines for its balance 280 aircraft order.