Engine Usage in Indian Narrowbody Aircraft

Engine Usage Trends in Indian Narrowbody Aircraft

As India prepares to host the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting alongside Aviation Week’s Engine Leasing, Trading & Finance events, the landscape of narrowbody engine utilization across the country has undergone significant transformation since early 2022. This analysis explores the evolving dynamics of engine usage within India’s expanding narrowbody fleets, highlighting key trends and challenges faced by manufacturers and operators alike.

Dominance of the CFM International Leap Engine

The CFM International Leap engine has emerged as the dominant powerplant in India’s narrowbody segment, with monthly flight hours increasing more than twelvefold between January 2022 and April 2025. This surge corresponds with the rapid growth of the Leap-powered fleet, which expanded from 135 to over 400 aircraft during the same period. Indian carriers continue to place substantial orders, with more than 1,000 Leap-powered aircraft still on the production backlog, indicating that aggregate engine utilization is poised to rise further.

Despite this robust growth, the Leap engine’s expansion has encountered notable obstacles. Supply chain disruptions and limited production capacity have strained engine availability and complicated maintenance schedules. In response, manufacturers are exploring strategies such as enhanced technology transfer and increased local production capabilities to better serve the Indian market and sustain their competitive advantage.

Continued Relevance of the CFM56 Engine

The CFM56 engine remains a reliable cornerstone of India’s narrowbody operations, accounting for over 17% of monthly engine utilization. Its in-service fleet has remained relatively stable since 2022, even as newer engine models face operational challenges and supply constraints. The enduring dependability of the CFM56 ensures it continues to play a vital role in maintaining the country’s air traffic flow, particularly as airlines navigate ongoing market uncertainties.

Challenges Facing the Pratt & Whitney GTF

The Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan (GTF) has experienced a decline in market share since early 2022, hindered by durability issues exacerbated by India’s demanding operating environment. This has led to a contraction in the active GTF fleet. The situation was further impacted by the collapse of Go First (formerly GoAir) in 2023, an airline that operated a significant number of GTF-powered Airbus A320neos. These developments have intensified competition among engine manufacturers, prompting efforts to enhance reliability and adapt technologies to local conditions.

Decline of Legacy Engines

The International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engine now contributes less than 5% of monthly narrowbody engine hours in India. With only a limited number of aircraft still in operation, the V2500’s share is expected to continue diminishing as older airframes are retired from service.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

The Indian narrowbody engine market remains in a state of flux, influenced by rapid fleet expansion, supply chain challenges, and shifting airline fortunes. As competition among engine manufacturers intensifies, there is a growing emphasis on localizing production and transferring technology to better align with the needs of Indian operators. These strategic moves are likely to shape market share and engine utilization patterns in the coming years.

Data for this analysis is sourced from Aviation Week’s Tracked Aircraft Utilization database.