CFM-made engines to power Go First’s return to skies

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NEW DELHI : Go Airlines (India) Ltd will likely induct CFM engine-fitted Airbus A320 family aircraft when the bankrupt airline resumes flight operations as these have proven to be more reliable for the airline in the past, two people aware of the development said. “The airline is open to evaluating the CFM option, and preliminary discussions have taken place on the matter in view of the current scenario," one of the officials cited above said, requesting anonymity. CFM engines are produced by CFM International, an equal joint venture between France’s Safran Group and General Electric Co.

of the US. Go First had a fleet of 54 aircraft when it suspended operations on 3 May. Of these, five A320ceos are run on CFM engines while US jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney (PW) powers the remaining 49 aircraft.

Not just Go First, IndiGo, in 2021, selected CFM’s LEAP-1A engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus 320 family aircraft due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. Go Airlines filed for bankruptcy on 2 May, citing unsustainable financial health owing to engine issues. The company has blamed Pratt & Whitney for the conditions leading to its bankruptcy.

“The airline has experienced a reliable phase of flight operations with CFM-powered aircraft in the past. They have been rugged and solid as compared to Pratt & Whitney engines for Go First. Hence, CFM engines are being considered," a second person aware of the development said, also declining to be named.

While Go First placed orders with Pratt & Whitney on account of their fuel-efficient nature and “quieter flights," the airline’s management chose CFM in 2005, citing “low cost of ownership" and reliability. Go First began operations in late 2005 with two leased A320s. It had