Minister seeks report on grounded A320 Neo aircraft

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has sought a report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the grounded Airbus A320 Neo aircraft by IndiGo and GoAir.

Recently, the two budget passenger airlines -- IndiGo and GoAir -- have grounded nine A320 Neo aircraft due to issues related to the Pratt & Whitney engines.

According to a DGCA statement released on Friday, as on date, IndiGo's seven A320neo aircraft and GoAir's two planes are grounded.

"These groundings are due to combustor distress found during routine scheduled boro scope inspection. These are all 'Block B' combustors. As and when combustor distress is found beyond laid down limits, aircraft is removed from service for engine replacement," the statement said.

"A320neos 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."

As per the statement, the manufacturer has 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. These measures have significantly reduced the engine problems".

"There are no safety concerns as such distress is found during routine scheduled boro scope inspections of these engines," the statement said.

"These engines are being continuously monitored and safety issues are addressed adequately."

--IANS

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