Indian low-cost carrier GoAir has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft, becoming the world’s third operator to do so. The aircraft, which is powered by Pratt and Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, is the first of 72 A320neos on order and joins GoAir’s existing fleet of 19 A320 aircraft.
GoAir is the second Indian carrier to receive the PW-equipped A320neo after Indigo, which has four. Two others are in service with Lufthansa.
Entry into service of the Pratt-powered variant has been dogged by teething troubles with the engine, leading to a substantial backlog of undelivered aircraft in Toulouse awaiting delivery of modified engines. Launch customer Qatar Airways recently said it was cancelling an order for the first of its 50 A20neos because of the delays.
The GoAir aircraft is the first A320neo equipped with the new Spaceflex cabin configuration with 186 seats. GoAir’s first A320neo is also the first of the type to be financed on a sale and leaseback through SMBC Aviation Capital.
GoAir currently flies to 22 Indian destinations. According to Iata, the Indian domestic market is currently the fastest-growing in the world, having registered a 20th successive month of double-digit growth in RPKs for the month of April.