The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a penalty of ₹1.10 crore on Air India for safety breaches related to the operations of leased Boeing 777 planes to the United States. This penalty marks the second instance within a week where the regulator has taken action against Air India.

Background and Investigation

The penalty came after the DGCA received a complaint from a former Air India pilot, alleging that the airline operated Boeing 777 aircraft to the US without the necessary emergency oxygen supply system. Following the complaint, a thorough investigation was conducted by the DGCA, which also issued a show cause notice to Air India.

Enforcement Action

In response to the investigation findings, DGCA initiated enforcement action against Air India, citing non-compliance with regulatory and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) performance limits. Consequently, the airline has been penalized with a fine of ₹1.10 crore.

Response from Air India

As of now, Air India has not provided any immediate comment on the penalty imposed by DGCA.

Details of the Investigation

The DGCA launched a detailed probe based on a voluntary safety report from an airline employee, highlighting safety violations on certain long-range critical routes operated by Air India. While specific details were not disclosed, the regulator analyzed Air India’s response to the show cause notice and evaluated compliance with statutory provisions and performance limits outlined by the OEM.

Previous Complaint and Air India’s Response

On October 29, 2023, a complaint was lodged by a former B777 commander regarding Air India’s practice of not carrying the required emergency oxygen supply system. The complaint raised concerns about the chemically-generated oxygen system on leased B777 aircraft, which lasts approximately 12 minutes, posing risks during direct flights to and from San Francisco.

Safety Concerns

In emergency depressurization scenarios, the complaint emphasized the necessity of ensuring sufficient oxygen supply to crew and passengers for periods exceeding 12 minutes, especially when flying over high mountainous terrain. Compliance with altitude requirements and safety protocols during such situations was underscored as crucial.

Air India’s Prior Statement

In response to the complaint, Air India stated that the matter had been thoroughly examined by internal and external experts. The airline reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew without compromise.

Previous Penalty

Earlier on January 17, DGCA had fined Air India ₹30 lakh for deficiencies in pilot rostering concerning operations in low visibility conditions.