GURUGRAM- Tata Group’s low-cost carrier, Air India Express (AI), has carried out the examination of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 (737-8) aircraft in accordance with guidance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Responding to an inquiry from Mint, a spokesperson for the airline stated that their engineering team conducted the inspection as per the directives from the DGCA.
Air India Express 737 MAX Inspection
The spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the recent incident involving a Boeing aircraft of Alaska Air (AS). They clarified that the aircraft involved in the incident is a different variant from the 737-8 operated by Air India Express.
The spokesperson added that they are in contact with Boeing to obtain more information about the incident, and they are also coordinating with regulators.
The airline assured its commitment to comply with any advisory provided. It’s noteworthy that Air India Express currently operates nine 737-8 aircraft in its fleet.
Alaska Airlines AS1282 Incident
The situation unfolded following the circulation of images on social media depicting Alaska Airlines Flight AS1282, a Boeing 737-9 MAX, exhibiting a significant breach in its side, with passengers utilizing oxygen masks.
The flight, en route to Ontario, California, returned to Portland shortly after departure on January 5. Subsequently, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary grounding order for over 170 Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft for inspection.
Regarding the incident involving Alaska Airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that there have been no inputs or guidance from Boeing thus far.
Despite none of the Indian air operators having Boeing 737-9 MAX in their fleets, the DGCA, as a precautionary measure, instructed all Indian air operators to conduct a one-time inspection of emergency exits on all Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft currently in operation.
The regulator specifically directed Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express to inspect all their 737 MAX aircraft.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
