Pratt & Whitney tells Delaware Court Go First has no right over engines
The two entities are engaged in a raging dispute over the supplies
American aerospace manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, has told the Delaware court that no engines were currently available for India’s Go First airline and it has no right over them.
Go First approached the Delaware court to enforce an arbitration order it won at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) against Pratt & Whitney. While the Indian airline blamed the US firm for failing to supply engines on time and facing financial troubles, Pratt & Whitney claimed the argument had no basis.
Go First has been granted bankruptcy protection in India with a court-appointed administrator trying to revive the airline. It has sparked a bitter tussle with many of Go First’s lessors, as they terminated their lease agreements and are trying to repossess the airplanes.
During a court hearing, Pratt & Whitney argued, “There are no engines available to be sent to Go First … these leases have been terminated and they (engines) cannot be sent because Go First has no right over them.”
On the other hand, Go First maintained it was incorrect, as the bankruptcy process in India provided a freeze on any repossession of planes by any lessor. Therefore, it continues to have a right over them.
In March, the Singapore arbitrator ordered Pratt & Whitney to assist Go First and supply serviceable spare engines to the airline. Go First had said that it was forced to ground half of its 54 Airbus A320neo planes due to engine issues.