NEW DELHI- India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the Boeing simulator training facility of Air India (AI).
A source told Moneycontrol that DGCA is checking the files related to the case. Further, it will take a final decision on restarting the facility after completion of scrutiny.
Air India Boeing Simulator Suspension
Indian watchdog regularly conducts such audits and checks. DGCA has temporarily suspended the Boeing training facility amid safety lapses.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily suspended Air India’s Boeing simulator training facility due to certain lapses. The regulator is currently verifying some documents related to the matter.
The regulatory action against the Tata Group-owned Air India came after a two-member DGCA inspection team allegedly found lapses in the airline’s internal safety audit reporting. The DGCA has launched a probe into the matter and will decide whether to restore the training at the facility once the verification process is completed.
Air India’s wide-body fleet comprises Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The carrier is also expected to induct Airbus wide-body A350 planes in its fleet from this year-end.
The suspension of the Boeing simulator training facility is a setback for Air India, which is currently undergoing a turnaround under its new owners, the Tata Group. The airline has been struggling financially for several years and has been plagued by safety concerns.
The DGCA’s action is a reminder of the importance of safety in the aviation industry. The regulator is committed to ensuring the safety of all air passengers and will take any necessary action to address safety concerns.
Pilots Unhappy with Roster System
The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), representing Air India (AI) pilots, has raised the alarm over fatigue-related issues stemming from the recent duty roster generated by Air India’s newly introduced Jeppesen system, a US-based platform.
The association, headquartered in Mumbai, has highlighted prolonged waiting times between flights as a particular concern for the Airbus 320, as it contradicts efforts to improve crew readiness and results in the gradual build-up of fatigue over time.
A formal letter addressing these concerns was directed to Air India’s Chief of Safety, Security, and Quality, Henry Donohoe, as well as the airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson.
“This approach to rostering has a double detrimental effect. It not only jeopardizes safety but also fosters feelings of disregard and embarrassment among our uniformed crew members,” remarked Madhu Narain, the General Secretary of IPG.
In July, Air India announced the implementation of an entirely new rostering system starting in August. This new Jeppesen-developed rostering system even allows the airline’s crew members to exchange flights and select accommodations of their preference during layovers.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Also Read: Indian Students Deported Back to Delhi from USA on Delta Flight – Aviation A2Z
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
