Preliminary impact assessment of Prat & Whitney powder metal issue

IndiGo, India’s leading airline is providing a further update on the preliminary assessment of the impact of the powder metal issue on its Pratt & Whitney powered fleet.

Earlier this year, Pratt & Whitney highlighted the impact of the powder metal issue that has affected its new generation GTF aircraft engine. Globally, we understand that a large number of incremental engines ranging between 600-700 are being removed for accelerated inspections and shop visits between 2023 and 2026 and two thirds of these engine removals are planned for 2023 and early 2024.

We have recently received additional information on the powder metal issue from Pratt & Whitney and based on our preliminary assessment of this, we anticipate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) in the range of mid-thirties in the fourth quarter (Jan-Mar2024) due to accelerated engine removals. These groundings will be incremental to the current AOGs.

During our recent Q2 earnings call, IndiGo had already indicated a likely increase in the number of engine removals in Q4 (Jan-Mar24) leading to a higher number of groundings in light of this powder metal issue.

Based on this recent information as received, we can reconfirm our given capacity guidance for Q3 (Oct-Dec23). In addition, we also confirm our earlier capacity guidance for the entire FY23-24 “in the North of mid-teens” significantly aided by proactive mitigation measures taken earlier by IndiGo.

Going forward, we continue to work with Pratt & Whitney on more information and addressing the situation and implementing mitigation measures to minimize the impact of these AOGs on our capacity in Q4 FY23-24 and beyond. IndiGo also remains confident in meeting its long-term capacity guidance.