Pratt & Whitney may have found a solution to the unending woes for its engines powering the A320 new engine option (neo) aircraft, however, the fact remains that the grounding of the planes and Airbus' decision to stop delivery of planes with PW engines has dealt a severe blow to IndiGo and GoAir's growth plans. IndiGo is one the biggest buyers of the aircraft, with more than 350 aircraft yet to be delivered, while GoAir is the next in line with orders for 131 neos
On Valentine’s Day in 1990, a brand new Airbus A320 from the then Indian Airlines crashed at the Bangalore Golf Course close to 2500 yards from the city’s HAL Airport. The Aircraft was new with a technology called fly by fire and India was one of the launch customers. The V P Singh Government that had just taken office months earlier decided that the safest option was to ground the entire A320 fleet. There was no considered decision making, there was no consultation with the experts, no looking at FAA or EASA pronouncements, it was a simple knee jerk reaction that was the beginning of the end of Indian Airlines. It never recovered from that body blow, the losses (a first for the airline) piled up and finally it was merged with Air India that is now on the verge of being sold.
When the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) cracked the whip after an IndiGo flight bound for Lucknow returned to Ahmedabad within 40 minutes of take-off due to a mid-air engine failure, it reminded one the Bengaluru episode. Citing safety of aircraft operations, A320neos fitted with PW1100 engines beyond ESN (Engine Serial No) 450 have been grounded with immediate effect. “Both IndiGo and GoAir have been told not to refit these engines, which are spare with them in their inventory," the agency said in a release. The decision grounded 11 A320neo aircraft. Of these, eight are operated by IndiGo and three by GoAir.
What happened with IndiGo was not exclusive to the airline. There had been a series of similar instances in the months leading to the Indigo flameout on the Ahmedabad-Lucknow flight in different parts of the world where the aircrafts were forced to make emergency landings.
この記事は Cruising Heights の April 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Cruising Heights の April 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
