International Aero Engines (IAE) has identified a problem area with some of its V2500 engines and is inspecting engines in the fleet as a result. The issue involved the engine's high-pressure compressor (HPC), specifically the third through eighth stages of the 10-stage HPC requiring certain fasteners' replacement. This issue has resulted in the grounding of nine of Kingfisher Airlines' 34 Airbus A320s. IAE discovered the issue last year during a routine inspection, and has been working with airworthiness authorities to resolve the problem. The repair is being incorporated into the overhaul process and the production of new V2500 engines. Of the over 4,200 V2500 engines in service worldwide, IAE has inspected nearly 500 and found issues with a small number. Kingfisher expects three of the nine aircraft to return to service in two weeks.